China’s LNG imports down in January-February

China logged a drop in its LNG imports for the second month in a row, following record imports of the fuel during the last year.

China became the world’s largest LNG importer last year, overtaking Japan. The country’s LNG imports reached 78.93 million tonnes in 2021, hitting a new record high due to rising demand from the power generation and industrial sectors.

However, during January and February of this year, LNG imports dropped when compared to the last year. This could be related to sky-high spot LNG prices, prompting Chinese buyers to hold off on buying spot volumes.

In January, LNG imports dropped by 6.7 percent to 7.81 million tonnes, while in February they decreased 11.8 percent to 4.86 million tonnes, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

During the January-February period, China imported 12.68 million tonnes of LNG. Compared to the same period last year, LNG imports dropped by 8.7 percent.

On the other side, China’s pipeline gas imports increased during the first two months of this year.

Pipeline imports rose by 6.3 percent to 7.18 million tonnes, the data said.

Most Popular

Worley gets full notice to proceed on first phase of CP2 LNG project

Australian engineering firm Worley has received a full notice to proceed from US LNG exporter Venture Global LNG under its reimbursable EPC contract for the first phase of the CP2 LNG project in Louisiana.

Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG to commission fourth tank

US LNG exporter Venture Global LNG has received approval from the US FERC to commission the fourth storage tank with LNG at its Plaquemines plant in Louisiana.

MOL’s LNG carrier fleet stands at 104 vessels

MOL's large fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers had 104 vessels as of the end of June this year.

More News Like This

Yangzijiang wraps up roof raising on two LNG storage tanks

Chinese private shipyard Yangzijiang Shipbuilding has completed raising the roofs on two LNG storage tanks at its Yangzi Jiasheng terminal.

IEA: global LNG trade up 4 percent in H1

Global LNG trade growth accelerated to 4 percent (12 bcm) in the first half of 2025, with exporters adding about 60 percent more LNG supply to the market than was added in the whole of 2024, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency.

China’s LNG imports down 4.5 percent in June

China reported a 4.5 percent drop in its LNG imports in June, while its pipeline gas imports increased by 9.1 percent compared to the same month last year.

GECF: LNG imports surge in June

Global liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports surged by 9.4 percent year-on-year in June, marking the strongest annual increase since November 2022, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum said in its latest report.