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
23 January 2025
The end of transit, though widely anticipated, leaves Europe paying a third more for gas than a year ago and greatly exposed to supply shocks
23 January 2025
The country’s government and E&P companies are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to increase domestic crude output as BP–ONGC tie-up leads the way
22 January 2025
The return of Donald Trump gives further evidence of ‘big oil’ as an investable asset, with the only question being whether anyone is really surprised
21 January 2025
The new president must put his cards on the table and tell the American people, and the world, if the US is formally abandoning the energy transition
