China's 15th Five-Year Plan for oil and gas aims to strengthen domestic supply security while offering some support to industrial gas demand starting in 2027. Kpler Insight reports that this plan is projected to increase China's LNG imports by 0.5 million tonnes (mt) in 2027.
Despite the anticipated increase in LNG imports, Kpler Insight suggests that this rise will have minimal effect on Asian LNG prices. The overall impact on the broader market is expected to be limited, maintaining current price dynamics in the region.
Kpler Insight has maintained its forecast for China's domestic gas production. The outlook indicates production levels of approximately 270 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2026, rising to 282 bcm in 2027, and further to 297 bcm in 2028.
The pipeline import outlook also remains consistent with previous projections. Kpler Insight expects pipeline imports to be around 81.9 bcm, contributing to the nation's overall gas supply strategy under the new five-year plan.
