Saudi Aramco to Expand U.S. LNG Presence

London, November 14, 2025 – Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil exporter, is set to sign two major liquefied natural gas (LNG) agreements with Woodside Energy and Commonwealth LNG during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s upcoming visit to Washington, according to sources familiar with the matter.

These deals are part of Aramco’s broader strategy to become a significant LNG player, particularly in the United States, where LNG export capacity is projected to nearly double over the next four years. Aramco has already signed agreements with other U.S. LNG developers, including NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG project, reinforcing its long-term ambitions in the global gas market.

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Aramco’s LNG Capacity Ambitions

Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser announced in August that the company targets 20 million tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG capacity, with 4.5 mtpa currently under development. For comparison, Shell, the world’s largest LNG trader, sold approximately 66 mtpa of LNG globally in 2024.

Under the new agreements:

• Aramco is expected to secure up to 2 mtpa from Commonwealth LNG’s proposed facility in Cameron, Louisiana, moving the project closer to its targeted 8 mtpa sales capacity out of a total 9.5 mtpa plant.
• With Woodside, Aramco will likely acquire a stake in the company’s $17.5 billion Louisiana LNG project, alongside an offtake agreement securing up to 2 mtpa of LNG supply. Woodside’s three-train, 16.5 mtpa facility is expected to commence operations by 2029.

Commonwealth LNG’s project is notable for being the first integrated LNG export facility in the U.S., sourcing gas from its major shareholder Kimmeridge’s Eagle Ford shale production. A final investment decision on construction is expected by the end of 2025.

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Strategic Implications for U.S. and Global LNG Markets

The Aramco deals highlight Saudi Arabia’s strategic push into the global LNG market, strengthening ties with U.S. energy producers while diversifying its energy portfolio beyond crude oil. The agreements also underscore the increasing importance of LNG in meeting global energy demand, especially as the U.S. aims to expand its export capacity.

Analysts suggest these moves position Aramco to become a major competitor in North American LNG markets, complementing its existing crude oil dominance. As LNG demand grows worldwide, particularly in Asia and Europe, Aramco’s U.S. agreements could bolster energy security and influence global gas pricing.

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Regional Energy Context

The announcements come amid heightened geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets. For example, Ukrainian drone and missile attacks recently disrupted key Russian oil export hubs, temporarily halting shipments from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. These disruptions reinforce the strategic significance of expanding LNG sources outside Russia for international energy security.