Platts: China's Independent Players Push for Access to LNG Supplies

Falling LNG costs and rising domestic gas prices in China have made opportunistic purchases increasingly attractive for non-traditional LNG buyers, which are now putting pressure on state-owned terminal operators to gain access to their import infrastructure. 

Several private and state-owned companies -- which currently do not have access to receiving terminals or an established credit rating -- have stepped up discussions with the operators of China's terminals, requesting them to import LNG on their behalf, share cargoes or even grant direct access to their import facilities. 

A state-owned importer said: "We are getting a lot of inquiries from partners, private companies and some smaller state-owned companies... A lot of them have approached us to share a cargo or buy one on their behalf."

In recent months, plunging LNG spot prices, coupled with rising domestic gas values, have created an incentive for smaller players looking to import LNG.  MORE