China’s LNG imports are set to fall for an eighth straight month on an annualized basis, according to „Kpler“ data, while pipeline deliveries and domestic production remain stable.
June imports are forecast to be around 5 million tonnes, according to Kpler, which tracks shipments. That would be about 12% lower than a year earlier compared with official volumes.
China, which was the world’s largest LNG importer in 2024, is buying less this year due to strong pipeline flows from Russia and Central Asia and rising domestic production. The country has also cut purchases due to high spot prices and has even turned to reselling supplies abroad to take advantage of better profits.
However, hotter weather with the start of summer in China could lead to higher demand for the supercooled fuel in the coming months as people rely more on their air conditioners, leading to increased energy consumption