Asia pivots to coal as Mideast conflict chokes LNG supply

Asian utilities are boosting coal-fired power generation to cut costs and safeguard energy supply, industry officials say, as the US-Israeli war on Iran chokes liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments and soaring prices threaten to suppress LNG demand.

- 

Asia spot LNG prices have doubled to three-year highs in the second major supply shock in four years, as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has all but stopped and No.2 global exporter Qatar has halted shipments.

In South Asia, Bangladesh is increasing coal power generation and coal-fired power imports in March, daily government data shows.