A 10-year natural gas supply deal signed by Methanex Corporation made it likely that it will move a second plant from southern Chile to Louisiana. Methanex secured a 10-year agreement with Cheasepeake Energy to supply natural gas for a methanol plant in Geismar, Louisiana. Methanex's ability to secure this first gas contract greatly increases the probability of a second Chilean relocation.

Methanex's new chief executive, John Floren, hinted in the announcement that the long-term deal with Chesapeake lowered Methanex's natural gas price risk at the Louisiana site if the company decide to relocate a second plant to Louisiana. Floren informed that the company would decide whether to move a second plant by the first half of this year.