LNG suppliers in the Asia-Pacific region may also face competition in coming years from shale-gas deposits in China and exports of the fuel from North America, according to CLSA and Mirae Asset Securities Ltd.

While China doesn't produce shale gas commercially yet, it aims to supply 6.5 billion cubic meters annually by 2015 and as much as 100 billion a year by the end of the decade, the National Development and Reform Commission said in March. The nation will hold its second auction for exploration licenses on Oct. 25.

Eoin Treacy's view Unconventional natural gas remains a game changer for the global energy sector. As more countries develop their supply capacity, the downward pressure on prices that has been a notable feature of the North American market could become a global phenomenon. As the arbitrage between gas and oil becomes more compelling this could eventually contribute to demand destruction for crude oil and would remove significant pressure from the global economy.

From an investment perspective companies that benefit from lower energy prices such as fertiliser, chemical and industrials etc should continue to benefit from this trend. Companies that transport gas either by ship or pipeline also stand to benefit from increased volumes.