Russian LNG Shipments to China Surge 143%, Surpass Australia Amid Sanctions

SEATTLE (Oil Monster):Russia sharply expanded its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to China last month, reinforcing its position as a critical energy partner to the world’s second-largest economy despite intensifying Western sanctions. Latest Chinese customs figures show LNG imports from Russia surged 142.6% year on year to around 1.6 million tonnes, elevating Moscow into China’s top two LNG suppliers alongside Qatar and overtaking Australia.

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Russian cargoes represented about 23.5% of China’s total LNG intake in November, more than double the share recorded a year earlier. In contrast, Australian LNG deliveries continued to weaken, sliding 33.6% by volume. Australia’s market share fell to roughly 21.1%, down sharply from 36% a year ago when it ranked as China’s largest supplier.

Analysts attribute the shift largely to supply-side developments. Production has recently resumed at Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 project on the Gydan Peninsula, with output primarily directed to China after last year’s suspension. The rebound also underscores Beijing’s willingness to deepen energy trade with Moscow despite mounting sanctions pressure from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom.

While Russian crude oil shipments to China dipped modestly in November, Russia retained its status as China’s top crude supplier. At the same time, China increased crude imports from Brazil, reflecting growing output from projects backed by Chinese firms.