China’s pipeline imports grew faster than LNG inflows in April
China’s LNG demand blunted for now
Pipeline imports and domestic production gains may limit LNG take, but Russia and Central Asia uncertainty could prompt buying activity
A recent acceleration in pipeline gas imports and robust domestic production growth have squeezed the immediate space for additional LNG imports into China, but uncertainty over gas exports from Russia and Central Asia could provide an opening for Chinese spot cargo procurement later this year. China’s pipeline imports grew faster than LNG inflows in April for the first time this year, to hit their second-highest level on record, according to customs data. Piped volumes climbed by 12.6pc year-on-year over the month, to 4.21mn t, nearly on par with the 4.25mn t received in September 2022. LNG imports grew by 10.3pc, to 4.77mn t, the third consecutive month of year-on-year increases. Piped flo
Also in this section
21 February 2025
While large-scale planned LNG schemes in sub-Saharan Africa have faced fresh problems, FLNG projects are stepping into that space
20 February 2025
Greater social mobility means increased global demand for refined fuels and petrochemical products, with Asia leading the way in the expansion of refining capacity
19 February 2025
The EU would do well to ease its gas storage requirements to avoid heavy purchase costs this summer, with the targets having created market distortion while giving sellers a significant advantage over buyers
18 February 2025
Deliveries to China decline by around 1m b/d from move to curb crude exports to Shandong port, putting Iran under further economic pressure
