
26 Nov: The VLGC market in 2025 remained highly volatile, with occasional rate spikes overshadowed by weak fundamentals.
Demand volatility of the petchem sector to reshape LPG shipping dynamics in 2026
LPG demand as a petchem feedstock is likely to be volatile in 2026, driven by the easing petchem expansion in China, consolidations in mature markets such as Japan and South Korea and a downward spiral underway in Europe.
Drewry expects LNG shipping rates to improve in 2026, driven by demand acceleration and LNG supply expansion. However, a significant rebound is still unlikely, as fleet expansion continues to outpace liquefaction build-up.
12 Dec 2025: LNG shipping in 2025: The year was quiet until ‘Winter’ arrived
LNG shipping rates in full-year 2025 were at their historic lows, with those for TFDE carriers down 48% YoY and those for XDF/MEGI down 35% YoY, despite the picture changing unexpectedly, which saw rates surging over $100,000pd in October and November due to the advent of winter.
09 Dec 2025: Trade policies and stronger fleet growth pose challenges for LPG shipping in 2026
Drewry expects volatility to persist in LPG shipping in 2026, amid a surging fleet, concerning petchem demand as well as slow (yet resilient) global economic growth and some geopolitical events overshadowing the expected rebound in trade.
© Copyright 2026 | Drewry Shipping Consultants Limited. All Rights Reserved. Website Terms of Use | Privacy Policy