Robust needs for U.S. exports across Asia, Europe and Mexico – coupled with expectations for another sizzling summer domestically – could keep supply/demand balances tight and upward price pressure firmly in place this summer, industry experts said.

The upbeat outlook developed across an LDC Gas Forums Southeast conference panel moderated Tuesday by NGI’s James Alston, head of commercial sales. It comes on the heels of recent rosy price projections.

Independent Commodity Intelligence Services’ James Fowler, energy market development manager, noted that the United States accounts for about 20% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply at a time when demand is surging.

LNG feed gas volumes dipped below 9 Bcf in recent days because of limits largely caused by...