China Business News citing data from the National Development and Reform Commission, China economy planner said China imported 19.8 billion cubic meters of natural gas in the first six months of this year up by 44.6%YoY.

China apparent consumption of natural gas which is the sum of net import and domestic output hit 72.1 billion cubic meters in the first half of this year up by 15.9%YoY. However, China domestic natural gas output grew 6.7%YoY to 53.9 billion cubic meters in the first six months of this year.

Mr Liang Jin, an analyst at commodities online trading platform, said China will increase imports to meet domestic demand for natural gas as the country enters winter in the middle of November.