Stocks To Invest In Right Now: LNG Supply Gaps Drive Upside
- 01. Stocks to Invest in Right Now: LNG Supply Gaps Drive Upside
- 02. Why LNG Supply Gaps Create Immediate Investment Opportunity
- 03. Top 3 LNG Stocks Recommended by Goldman Sachs
- 04. Additional LNG-Exposed Stocks Worth Considering
- 05. Market Intelligence: Key LNG Sector Metrics
- 06. Risk Factors Investors Must Consider
- 07. Conclusion: Strategic Positioning for Long-Term LNG Growth
Stocks to Invest in Right Now: LNG Supply Gaps Drive Upside
The best stocks to invest in right now for LNG-focused investors are Cheniere Energy (NYSE: LNG), Venture Global (NYSE: VG), and Golar LNG (NASDAQ: GLNG), as Goldman Sachs analysts have explicitly recommended these three names due to enduring harm to global LNG supply that could sustain elevated prices through 2026 and beyond.
Why LNG Supply Gaps Create Immediate Investment Opportunity
Geopolitical disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's retaliatory actions against Qatar have impacted approximately 20% of global LNG supply, creating a structural shortage that U.S. exporters are positioned to fill. Taiwan has already declared intentions to boost U.S. LNG imports starting June 2026, with other nations likely to follow. The U.S. plans to enhance LNG exports from 5 Bcf/d to around 30 Bcf/d by 2030, but current export facilities have limited spare capacity, which will drive higher prices for existing shipments.
Global LNG market size was valued at USD 153.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 161.8 billion in 2026 to USD 312.4 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period. European LNG import capacity expanded by over one-third between 2022 and 2025 according to International Energy Agency data, fundamentally reshaping trade flows.
Top 3 LNG Stocks Recommended by Goldman Sachs
| Company | Ticker | Goldman Sachs Price Target | Upside Potential | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheniere Energy | NYSE: LNG | $312 | ~10% | Buy |
| Venture Global | NYSE: VG | $18.50 | ~11% | Buy |
| Golar LNG | NASDAQ: GLNG | $56 | ~13-40% | Buy |
Cheniere Energy, the largest LNG exporter in the U.S., saw Goldman Sachs raise its price target from $276 to $312 on March 24, 2026, maintaining a Buy rating. CEO Jack Fusco stated the company is responding to demands from Asia, and while supply limits exist, current inventory is becoming more valuable. Shares have increased over 40% since the start of 2026 despite a recent 3% decline.
Venture Global has more than doubled its value in 2026, with Morgan Stanley upgrading the stock to Overweight from Underweight on March 23, raising its price target from $8 to $22. RBC Capital reiterated an Outperform rating on April 17, 2026, raising its price target from $14 to $16. The consensus target of $17.12 indicates continued upside potential.
Golar LNG was added to Goldman Sachs' US Conviction List in February 2026, with the $56 target representing nearly 40% upside from the current price of $40.22. The company's Gimi production is expected to contribute fully in 2026, though Hilli will be relocated in July 2026 ahead of its 2027 Argentina contract.
Additional LNG-Exposed Stocks Worth Considering
- Range Resources (NYSE: RRC) - Upstream natural gas producer supplying fuel for LNG export sector, with consensus estimates showing 57% year-on-year climb in realized natural gas prices to $3.03 in 2025. The stock increased about 28% in three months leading to April 8, 2026, trading near its $43.06 price target with projected earnings growth exceeding 43% over the next year.
- TotalEnergies SE (NYSE: TTE) - Included among 12 Best LNG Stocks to Buy in 2026, advancing diversification plans aiming for power generation to account for approximately 20% of energy production by decade's end.
- Chevron Corporation - Distinguished by stringent capital discipline and stronger focus on cash flow resilience, with increasing exposure to structurally supported natural gas demand.
- Shell plc (SHEL) - Forecasts LNG demand to rise up to 85% by 2050, with Asia representing 70% of growth through 2040.
Market Intelligence: Key LNG Sector Metrics
- Strait of Hormuz supplies over 80% of Asia's LNG and substantial quantity for European markets, responsible for 20% of world's oil supply
- Qatar produces around 10 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of LNG, amounting to approximately 20% of global supply
- U.S. LNG export capacity is set to more than double by 2028, with current facilities having limited spare capacity
- Floating LNG infrastructure investments are unlocking previously stranded gas reserves due to faster deployment timelines than traditional onshore facilities
- Major industry participants including Shell, TotalEnergies, Chevron, QatarEnergy, and Exxon Mobil continue advancing liquefaction projects across North America, Middle East, and Africa
Risk Factors Investors Must Consider
Goldman Sachs analysts warn that even if geopolitical conflicts are resolved promptly, it could take between three to five years to restore some LNG facilities that contribute 3% of global supply. Supply constraints could persist well into winter 2026, with ongoing pressure if conflicts continue. Golar LNG faces higher execution, funding, and country-level risks compared to U.S. LNG peers, reflected in a mid-teens implied equity discount rate wider than competitors.
Conclusion: Strategic Positioning for Long-Term LNG Growth
Investors seeking exposure to the global LNG value chain should prioritize Cheniere Energy, Venture Global, and Golar LNG based on Goldman Sachs' conviction ratings and the structural supply-demand imbalance driving the sector. The convergence of accelerating energy transition policies favoring lower-carbon fuels, rising natural gas demand in Asia-Pacific economies, and geopolitical realignments reshaping European trade flows creates a multi-year growth runway for LNG exporters.
Expert answers to Stocks To Invest In Right Now Lng Supply Gaps Drive Upside queries
What are the best LNG stocks to invest in right now?
The best LNG stocks to invest in right now are Cheniere Energy (NYSE: LNG), Venture Global (NYSE: VG), and Golar LNG (NASDAQ: GLNG), as Goldman Sachs explicitly recommended these three names on March 25, 2026, citing enduring harm to global LNG supply that could sustain elevated prices.
Why are LNG stocks rising in 2026?
LNG stocks are rising due to geopolitical disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's retaliatory actions against Qatar impacting ~20% of global supply, Taiwan's declaration to boost U.S. LNG imports starting June 2026, and the U.S. plan to enhance exports from 5 to 30 Bcf/d by 2030 with limited current spare capacity.
What is Goldman Sachs' price target for Cheniere Energy?
Goldman Sachs raised its price target on Cheniere Energy to $312 from $276 on March 24, 2026, maintaining a Buy rating, indicating about 10% upside from the closing price at that time.
How much is the global LNG market expected to grow?
The global LNG market is projected to grow from USD 161.8 billion in 2026 to USD 312.4 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period, following a 2025 valuation of USD 153.2 billion.
What risks should LNG investors watch for?
Key risks include 3-5 years needed to restore damaged LNG facilities contributing 3% of global supply even after conflict resolution, persistent supply chain constraints keeping prices elevated, and higher execution/funding risks for non-U.S. LNG producers like Golar LNG.
