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
19 January 2026
Newfound optimism is emerging that a dormant exploration frontier could become a strategic energy play and—whisper it quietly—Europe’s next offshore opportunity
16 January 2026
The country’s global energy importance and domestic political fate are interlocked, highlighting its outsized oil and gas powers, and the heightened fallout risk
16 January 2026
The global maritime oil transport sector enters 2026 facing a rare convergence of crude oversupply, record newbuild deliveries and the potential easing of several geopolitical disruptions that have shaped trade flows since 2022
15 January 2026
Rebuilding industry, energy dominance and lower energy costs are key goals that remain at odds in 2026
