Qatar Petroleum launched a surprise plan to increase its production of LNG by 30% between now and 2024, monetizing its North Field gas reserves. The move will prove a challenge to both Australia and the U.S. The Trump administration in particular as recently touted LNG exports as a key part of its energy policy. Imports by China, Japan and South Korea, which reached $56 billion in the past 12 months, have suffered a 14% annualized contraction in the past three years. While prices fell 17% over the same period, that still means volumes only increased by around 4% annually. Competition is ...