China Accelerates LNG Purchases Ahead of Summer Power Demand Peak
0xBroomberg
China's 30-day rolling LNG import average has climbed to 178,000 tonnes per day, the highest since before the Middle East conflict erupted in early February; disrupted Qatari supply is forcing buyers toward alternative sources, intensifying global competition for cargoes.
How high have imports climbed?
Vessel-tracking data show China's 30-day rolling LNG import average has reached 178,000 tonnes per day — the highest since early February, before the Middle East conflict disrupted flows.
The figure has risen steadily since mid-April and is now approaching the five-year seasonal average.
This means → after a full year of subdued demand, China's LNG appetite is recovering at a notable pace.
Why the sudden acceleration?
The immediate trigger is disrupted Qatari supply — the Middle East conflict has cut off parts of the Persian Gulf LNG shipping corridor.
Chinese importers now need roughly 7 to 10 extra cargoes per month to fill the gap, sourcing mainly from Canada, Malaysia, and Russia.
In plain terms = the primary supplier's pipeline broke, so buyers are scrambling across multiple markets to make up the shortfall.
Which buyers are moving?
State-owned Cnooc (中海油) purchased multiple batches last month for June, July, and August delivery, locking in summer supply.
Second-tier buyer Zhejiang Energy International picked up a July-delivery cargo; private firm Guangdong Jiufeng Energy is also actively seeking cargoes.
Bloomberg, citing traders, reports that major buyers have been ramping up purchases across the board since late April — state and private firms alike.
Demand was weak last year — what changed?
In 2025, China's LNG demand was genuinely soft: pipeline gas was cheap, inventories were ample, and coal plus renewables offered effective alternatives.
This year's difference is the Qatari supply disruption landing on top of a summer power-demand peak — two forces pushing urgency at the same time.
This reflects how easily LNG supply-demand balance can be upended by geopolitics — a conflict thousands of miles away in the Middle East reshapes China's buying rhythm.
What does this mean for the global market?
China is the world's largest LNG buyer; its demand recovery could intensify the tug-of-war between Asia and Europe for available cargoes.
Europe's 30-day LNG import average is currently down 19% year-on-year and has been declining since mid-March.
This means → if China's purchasing pace accelerates further, Europe faces stiffer competition to refill storage ahead of winter — two buyers chasing the same barrels.
Content is for reference only, not financial advice.