Under the narrative that natural gas lowers power costs, improves energy security and eases the energy transition, the oil and gas lobby, alongside gas-exporting governments, has succeeded in making the fuel a focal point of the energy policy plans of many developing Asian countries. However, the unstable market and the high costs have not only busted this narrative but also left developing economies to deal with the consequences. Southeast Asian countries considering gas expansion plans will have to account for volatility, which will inevitably continue to impose long-term ramifications.