Unions at the Ichthys liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project in Australia issued a formal notice of intent to strike. Japan’s Inpex, the facility operator, confirmed receipt of the notice on Monday. This development risks significant supply disruptions from a key regional producer.
The Ichthys facility shipped 112 LNG cargoes in 2025. Any production halt could tighten the global market for major buyers in Japan and across Asia. European nations are also competing for cargoes to replenish storage levels ahead of winter.
Inpex will resume negotiations with the unions on May 25, 2026. The company aims to maintain safe operations and ensure reliable energy supply to partners. Industrial action adds uncertainty to a market already strained by geopolitical tensions and supply-side risks.