In countries like Angola, LNG development is especially important. Today most of the natural gas produced with crude oil is flared because there are few alternatives for usage or disposal of the excess gas. LNG offers a more environmentally sound way to deal with the associated gas and brings additional economic benefits to the exporting countries.

Trade flexibility – LNG offers better trade flexibility than pipeline transport, allowing cargoes of natural gas to be delivered where the need is greatest and the commercial terms are most competitive.

Cheaper transport - Liquefying and shipping natural gas is cheaper than transporting natural gas by offshore pipelines for distances of more than 700 miles (1,126 km) or by onshore pipelines for distances greater than 2,200 miles (3,539 km).

Versatility - LNG can also be used as fuel for electric power plants, as seasonal gas reserves, and as an alternative clean fuel.