INFOGRAPHIC: Russia strengthens foothold in China LNG market as Qatar loses share

China's LNG import mix is undergoing a structural shift, with Russian supply gaining market share amid weaker overall demand, while Qatar's position erodes.

During January-July, China's LNG imports fell 4.6% year over year to 33.79 million metric tons, but inflows from Russia rose 24.9%, lifting Russia's share of China's LNG imports to 12.5% from 9.5% a year earlier, according to General Administration of Customs data.

The increase was driven primarily by discounted cargoes from Arctic LNG 2, supported by improved shipping availability and a longer delivery window to China in 2026.

Russian LNG imports grew for five consecutive months during January-July, driven largely by arrivals from Arctic LNG 2 and Yamal LNG.

Meanwhile, Qatar's share of China's LNG imports fell to 14.5% during January-July from 30.7% a year earlier, as LNG deliveries from Qatar to China declined 55.2%, according to customs data.

China's apparent natural gas consumption fell 2.4% year over year to 242.19 billion cubic meters during January-July.