LNG

Japanese liquefied natural gas imports plunged almost 17 percent as the nation directly replaced gas-fired power with cheaper thermal coal as LNG prices surged worldwide.

Japanese liquefied natural gas imports in October increased by 6.5 percent as shipments from the Middle East and Australia offset a drop in Asian cargoes as the nation’s monthly LNG costs also jumped more than 49 percent year-on-year on higher prices and volumes.