Page 8 - GLNG Week 34 2022
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GLNG ASIA GLNG
Chinese LNG imports see
15.4% slump in July
IMPORTS CHINESE LNG imports slumped 15.4% year on “The weakening gas demand was due to a
year in July to 4.74mn tonnes, according to cus- confluence of factors, including economic slow-
toms data published on August 18, as the coun- down, rising gas import prices, policy support
try is forecast to see its biggest slump this year in for clean coal and a warmer than usual winter,”
LNG demand since it began importing the fuel. the Edinburgh-based consultancy said in mid-
Cumulative LNG imports in the first seven July. “Gas-fired power was a major contributor
months of this year were down 20.3% y/y, total- to the absolute decline in volumes. In addition
ling 35.93mn tonnes, according to customs data. to the factors mentioned earlier, the sector was
Meanwhile, pipeline gas imports rose by 8% y/y pressured by growth in use of renewables.”
in July to 3.96mn tonnes, and were up 10.8% y/y In contrast to the prevailing trend, China’s
in January to July, at 26.28mn tonnes. LNG imports from Russia have seen sustained
China’s own production also rose in July by growth over recent months. According to cus-
8.2% y/y, at 17.1bn cubic metres, the country’s toms data, the country imported some 400,000
National Bureau of Statistics reported on August tonnes of Russian LNG in July, up 20.1% y/y
15. Output was up 7.8% month on month. Pro- and marking the fourth consecutive month of
duction in the first seven months of the year growth. Chinese oil imports from Russia have
expanded by 5.4% y/y, arriving at 126.7 bcm. similarly been higher this year, and in July were
Chinese LNG imports soared 18.3% last year up 7% at 7.14mn tonnes (1.69mn barrels per
to a record 78.93mn tonnes, but Wood Mac- day). Beijing has been taking advantage of the
kenzie has forecast that shipments will see their discounted cost of Russian energy exports to
biggest ever decline in 2022, falling 14% y/y to expand supply from its main geopolitical ally.
69mn tonnes.
P8 www. NEWSBASE .com Week 34 26•August•2022