China aims to diversify LNG imports away from Qatar and the Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East instability and supply risks.
China’s state-owned LNG importers are in talks to lock in long-term supply deals with exporters that do not rely on the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows disruptions in the Middle East, including the closure of the critical waterway and damage to Qatari facilities, which threatened nearly 30% of China’s LNG imports last year.
Qatar has been China’s largest LNG supplier, but escalating regional conflicts have prompted Beijing to seek alternative sources. The shift aims to reduce exposure to geopolitical risks and secure stable energy supplies amid rising global demand.
No immediate market reaction was reported, though the talks signal a strategic pivot in China’s energy procurement strategy.