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China LNG imports could strike record levels in 2024, PetroChina official says

China's melted natural gas imports might hit record levels in 2024, a PetroChina official projection on Wednesday.

The world's leading importer of the super-chilled fuel is seen shipping between 78-80 million metric tons of LNG this year, with the industrial and industrial sectors driving need, Zhang Yaoyu, international head of LNG and brand-new energies for PetroChina International, said at a market conference in Bangkok.

Zhang's projection would be a 9-12% increase from the 71.2 million metric heaps imported in 2023, according to China's custom-mades information.

China imported a record 78.8 million metric tons in 2021.

Based on the very first quarter information, that's possible, stated Zhang.

He stated China has shipped almost 20 million tons of LNG already in the first quarter of this year, with the chemicals, paper, steel and cement industries driving demand development.

Besides, we have not seen winter season (need) yet.

For power plants in China, nevertheless, LNG rates would require to drop to below $6 per million British thermal systems (mmBtu). for consumption to pick up, included Zhang, who spoke with on. the sidelines of the Future Energy Asia conference.

Asia area LNG costs had traded as low as around $8/mmBtu in. February this year, its lowest in almost three years, amid weak. need in Asia and Europe. But hotter weather and supply. concerns have since pressed prices up to $10.50/ mmBtu. << LNG-AS >

Zhang said he anticipates coal to support grid stability in. China and did not see greater LNG adoption in power generation. amid increasing renewable energy use.

You can't solely rely on renewable power. The dependability,. that's not going to be easy. But having stated that, the base is. still coal.