China's state LNG importers are in talks to secure long-term LNG supplies from exporters that do not require the Strait of Hormuz, as the world's largest LNG buyer seeks to reduce its exposure to gas deliveries from the Persian Gulf.
China is the top LNG customer of Qatar, sourcing nearly 30% of its LNG supply from the Gulf exporter last year. However, as conflict erupted in the Middle East, imports into China have plummeted.
In the second quarter of this year, China imported only about 100,000 tons of LNG from Qatar, down from as much as 4.7 million tons in the same period last year.
Some of China's state-controlled majors, including PetroChina and Sinopec, are in talks with exporters for potential deliveries starting before 2030.
Canada is one option being explored.
