Cheniere Energy will begin its first exports of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. mainland soon, but lower oil prices are cutting into LNG's appeal -- forcing Cheniere CEO Charif Souki to adjust his plans. Oil prices challenge Cheniere's LNG export plan Cheniere Energy will begin its first exports of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. mainland soon, but lower oil prices are cutting into LNG's appeal -- forcing Cheniere CEO Charif Souki to adjust his plans.