China LNG Imports Hint at Recovery as Buyers Replace Lost Supply

May 12, 2026, 4:46 AM UTC

Liquefied natural gas deliveries to China are showing signs of recovery, as some buyers replace shipments disrupted by the conflict in the Middle East.

The 30-day moving average for LNG imports has increased to the highest level since late February, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Although that’s still below the five-year average, the gap has shrunk to roughly half of what it was in early April.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has choked about a fifth of global LNG supply. Qatar, which accounted for around 30% of China’s LNG last year, has been forced to halt ...

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