A surge in liquefied natural gas supply was expected to drive prices down, prompting governments across Asia to plan a shift away from coal. India and Southeast Asian nations developed energy strategies centered on using cheap LNG to reduce their dependence on the fossil fuel.

However, geopolitical tensions, particularly the Iran War, have disrupted these plans. The conflict has introduced new volatility into global energy markets, pushing LNG prices higher and undermining the economic case for switching from coal to gas. This unexpected turn has forced policymakers to reconsider their energy transition timelines.

The shift highlights the vulnerability of energy strategies to geopolitical shocks. As LNG prices remain elevated, Asian countries face a difficult choice between maintaining coal use for energy security or absorbing higher costs for cleaner alternatives. The region's energy future now hinges on navigating these competing pressures.