What is the main reason Methanex idled its Titan methanol plant in Trinidad?

Methanex idled its Titan plant due to 'structurally tight gas supply and demand balances in Trinidad and Tobago', which made operations 'commercially unviable'—a condition driven by dwindling natural gas supplies and competition for gas, especially from LNG exports that became more profitable amid elevated global LNG prices.

Could the Titan plant restart, and what would enable that?

Yes, Methanex has stated it will undertake a 'preservation process' at the Titan plant 'to provide optionality for a future restart should conditions materially improve', and new gas fields expected to begin production in 2027—developed by Shell and bp—could supply enough feedstock to support such a restart, though gas availability must first meet demand from LNG plants and methanol facilities, with LNG potentially receiving priority if fuel prices remain high and methanol markets stay oversupplied.

Trinidad’s Idled Methanol Units May Restart With New Gas Fields

Jul 2, 2026

New gas fields expected in 2027 could enable Trinidad’s Methanex Titan plant to restart after idling due to tight natural gas supplies, despite a globally oversupplied methanol market.

icis

2026-07-02

Trinidad’s Idled Methanol Units May Restart With New Gas Fields

2026-07-06

Americas Top Stories: Weekly Summary

2026-07-07

Methanex Plans to Shut Down Titan Methanol Plant in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad’s Idled Methanol Units May Restart With New Gas Fields

FAQ