Is China’s falling LNG demand a warning sign for global markets? With Wei Xiong

Let’s Talk Energy and dissect China’s natural gas sector and its impact on global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade. China is the world’s largest importer of LNG, but lately the country’s demand for imported gas has cooled. A weakening economy, the country’s push to develop domestic gas production and growing capacity in renewables, coal and nuclear power are all pushing LNG demand down. All of these factors complicate the outlook for natural gas in China’s future energy mix at a time when global gas markets are projected to flip into a surplus over the next few years, potentially putting downward pressure on prices.    What is the 2026 outlook for China’s natural gas demand, and what impact will it have on global LNG markets?  Is China’s drive to increase domestic natural gas production paying off, and how much more can they realistically produce? What is the long-term outlook for natural gas in China’s energy mix, including as a transport fuel? How is natural gas competing with other forms of energy, such as coal and renewables?  Related Analysis Fueling a nation: China's 'Big Three' NOCs drive energy security and innovation (accessible for non-clients) Six key facts: Demystifying China’s gas power sector (clients only) US tariffs and LNG: Do Trump’s levies help or hinder US LNG export growth? (clients only) China Gas Policy Report – 4Q 2025 (clients only) Gas & LNG Market Yearly Report 2025 (clients only)  Related Episodes A glimpse into energy in 2026, with Jarand Rystad  Winners and losers in Trump’s energy agenda The future of global energy demand, with Claudio Galimberti and Jorge Leon What China’s oil stockpiling means for OPEC+, prices and global trade, with Lin Ye  Let’s Talk Energy is a Rystad Energy Production.  Produced by: Laura Rodriguez Skaug & Både Og.  Executive producers: Noah Brenner, Elliot Busby, Evodie Fleury-Greaker & Erik Means.  Follow us on:  LinkedIn  YouTube  Instagram  X