ConocoPhillips LNG Production Capacity Outlook
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 19 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Capacity Delay Outlook: ConocoPhillips (COP) anticipates that delays in increasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity in Qatar will last for months rather than years, as stated by the company's president of Europe Gas, indicating a more optimistic market perspective.
- Project Progress: The North Field East and North Field South projects, in partnership with QatarEnergy, are ongoing, and while some delays may occur, they are expected to be measured in months rather than years, alleviating supply concerns for markets like China and South Korea.
- Capacity Enhancement Goals: Successful implementation of the North Field projects is projected to increase Qatar's LNG production capacity from 77 million metric tons per year to 126 million tons per year, further solidifying Qatar's leadership position in the global LNG market.
- External Risk Factors: The head of merchant trading at Swiss energy group AXPO noted at the same conference that Qatar's LNG expansion plans could face delays of 6 to 12 months depending on the resolution of the Iran conflict, introducing uncertainty that may impact the global energy supply chain.
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Analyst Views on COP
Wall Street analysts forecast COP stock price to rise
19 Analyst Rating
15 Buy
3 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 114.990
Low
98.00
Averages
115.67
High
133.00
Current: 114.990
Low
98.00
Averages
115.67
High
133.00
About COP
ConocoPhillips is an exploration and production company. Its Alaska segment primarily explores for, produces, transports and markets crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. The Lower 48 segment consists of operations located in the 48 contiguous states in the United States and the Gulf of Mexico. Canadian operations consist of the Surmont oil sands development in Alberta, the liquids-rich Montney unconventional play in British Columbia and commercial operations. The Europe, Middle East and North Africa segment consists of operations principally located in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, Qatar, Libya, Equatorial Guinea and commercial and terminalling operations in the United Kingdom. Asia Pacific segment has exploration and production operations in China, Malaysia, Australia and commercial operations in China, Singapore and Japan. Other International segment includes interests in Colombia as well as contingencies associated with prior operations in other countries.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Overall Investment Decline: Despite the increase for 2026, the industry anticipates a slight decline from the record high of 273 billion crowns in 2025, reflecting companies' reductions in capital expenditures at existing oil and gas fields.
- 2027 Investment Outlook: The sector forecasts investments of 207 billion crowns in 2027, exceeding the previous estimate of 201 billion crowns, suggesting that projections may rise further as new projects are approved in the coming months.
- Project Drivers: The strong investment growth has been primarily driven by a series of offshore oil and gas projects approved in 2022, particularly ConocoPhillips and its partners' decision to invest 20 billion crowns to restart production at three previously shuttered fields in the Greater Ekofisk area, which is expected to positively impact future investments.
See More
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See More
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- ETF Performance: Republican investors tracking the ETF of GOP lawmakers have seen returns exceeding 20% year-to-date, while the Democratic ETF has only yielded 9%, indicating a relative advantage for Republicans in the market.
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See More
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- Strong Stock Market Performance: Despite rising geopolitical tensions, both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed at record highs, primarily driven by a surge in AI-related stocks, indicating strong market confidence in the technology sector.
- Oil Price Warning: ExxonMobil has warned that oil inventories are on track to reach dangerously low levels in the coming weeks, forcing prices to spike and curbing demand, reflecting market concerns over energy supply.
- Wealthy Investors Pulling Out: According to the UBS Global Family Office Report, 60% of family offices plan to adjust their investment allocations in the next year, with many reducing US holdings and increasing exposure to emerging markets, highlighting a growing trend of 'de-dollarization'.
See More
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- Escalation of Military Actions: New U.S. airstrikes in Iran targeted a military site deemed a threat to U.S. forces and commercial maritime traffic, adding uncertainty to the ongoing diplomatic negotiations and prompting investors to reassess risk levels in the market.
- Strong Tech Stock Performance: Shares of cloud-based AI and data platform company Snowflake surged 36% following a strong earnings report and a $6 billion investment plan in Amazon Web Services, showcasing investment enthusiasm and market confidence in the tech sector amid rising AI demand.
- Inflation Data Focus: Investors are closely watching the upcoming April inflation reading, which is expected to influence the Fed's future rate decisions, as Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari emphasized that lowering inflation remains a top priority, indicating market sensitivity to economic policy.
See More
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