Charif Souki, a US LNG pioneer, has vowed to keep his latest venture, Phoenix Energy, as a closely held company, avoiding public offerings. This decision comes after his previous two companies pursued public listings, which he now views as a misstep. Phoenix Energy, funded by family and friends, has secured drilling leases in the Haynesville Shale in Louisiana, a region rich in natural gas reserves.

The company plans to extract and sell liquefied natural gas (LNG), positioning itself as a key player in the domestic energy market. Souki emphasized that outside investors must align with his vision for the firm, prioritizing long-term growth over short-term gains.