Iran Conflict Could Boost LNG Trade Through the Panama Canal

Panama Canal Authority Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez Morales discusses the rise in agriculture products heading from the US to Asia contributing to an increase in revenue, and the impacts the conflict in Iran is having on business. He talks with Romaine Bostick and Katie Greifeld on “The Close.”Source: Bloomberg

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By Michael D McDonald

March 9, 2026 at 9:35 PM UTC

The ongoing conflict in Iran could lead to an increase in traffic at the Panama canal from Asian energy buyers seeking alternative LNG sources, canal administrator Ricaurte Vasquez said in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

If the conflict in the Middle East persists, countries in Asia could turn to US LNG suppliers instead of Qatar, he said. US shippers would likely use the Panama canal to shorten the route to Asia to offset rising fuel costs, he said.