LNG

Japanese liquefied natural gas imports rose by over 16 percent in April even at higher prices while thermal coal deliveries also increased as the nation additionally  prepared for more nuclear plant re-starts in competition to LNG.

Japanese liquefied natural gas imports decreased for a second month in 2024 by almost 6 percent as milder winter weather and higher storage levels reduced cargo needs especially of more expensive spot shipments even at much lower prices.

Japanese liquefied natural gas imports plunged by more than 20 percent in June from the same month last year while half-year imports fell 13 percent with more competition coming from thermal coal and nuclear and more gas storage being built earlier in 2023 as prices declined.