Rebound in liquefied natural gas shipments signals preparation for peak cooling season amid prior supply constraints and price pressures.
China imported 4.9 million tons of liquefied natural gas in May, marking a year-over-year increase as demand ramps up ahead of the summer cooling season. The rise reverses months of declines driven by tight Middle East supply and elevated prices, which had curbed imports and shifted power generation toward coal.
Prior months saw consistent drops in LNG shipments, with importers reducing purchases due to cost concerns. The May rebound aligns with expectations of higher electricity consumption as air-conditioning use climbs, though coal remains a competitive alternative.
No immediate market reaction was reported, but the uptick may ease concerns over China’s energy mix stability during peak demand periods.