Japan Boosts LPG Purchases While South Korea and China Resell Surplus

Japan increases liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports for winter, while South Korea and China resell their surplus on the Asian market.

Partagez:

Japan has boosted its imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) ahead of the winter season, with transactions concluded between a discount of $5/t and a premium of $3/t compared to the December Far East Index (FEI). While some of these purchases are intended for heating, others aim to cover short positions, according to market sources.

Data from S&P Global Commodities at Sea shows that 801,000 tons of LPG were discharged in Japan in November, compared to 883,000 tons in October. These volumes, however, are lower than those recorded during the same periods in previous years. Meanwhile, December propane swaps prices in North Asia fell to an average of $624.50/t in November, down from $661.34/t in October.

The Growing Role of LPG in Japanese City Gas

Japan uses LPG to adjust the calorific value of its city gas, a process necessitated by the increasing importation of lean liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) projects an annual growth of 2.4% in LPG demand for city gas, reaching 1.722 million tons by the fiscal year 2028-2029, a 12.8% increase compared to 2023-2024.

Reselling of Surplus Cargoes by South Korea and China

In contrast, South Korea and China, which do not require LPG for winter heating, are reselling their surplus cargoes. In November, South Korea exported 136,000 tons of LPG, compared to 114,000 tons in October, mainly destined for China. South Korea prioritizes the use of LNG for its winter needs.

In China, propane demand has slowed due to the maintenance shutdown of several propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plants. Out of 30 plants, at least eight were offline in November, and some may remain shut until the Lunar New Year, according to market sources. Despite this demand drop, propane CFR North Asia prices slightly increased, reaching $622/t on November 28 compared to $617/t the previous day.

Japan’s strategy to secure stocks contrasts with that of its neighbors, who prefer to commercially manage their LPG surpluses.

  • Populaires ​
BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust puts Prudhoe Bay royalty up for sale
Invenergy and Meta expand US portfolio with an additional 791 MW
Chinese independent refiners poised to increase fuel oil imports
Jinko ESS and Metlen sign 3GWh battery storage deal for Chile, Europe
Burundi Inaugurates Major $320 Million Hydroelectric Power Plant
The drilling fluids industry will reach $10.7bn by 2032 driven by oil expansion and chemical innovations
The increase in oil drilling, deepwater exploration, and chemical advances are expected to raise the global drilling fluids market to $10.7bn by 2032, according to Meticulous Research.
Enbridge Gas Ohio challenges tariff ruling cutting its revenues by $30mn
Enbridge Gas Ohio is assessing its legal options following the Ohio regulator's decision to cut its revenues, citing potential threats to investment and future customer costs.
Global small-scale LNG market to reach $31.78bn by 2030
The small-scale liquefied natural gas market is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 7.5%, reaching an estimated total value of $31.78bn by 2030, driven particularly by maritime and heavy-duty road transport sectors.
Europe extends gas storage obligations until 2027
The European Union extends gas storage regulations by two years, requiring member states to maintain a minimum fill rate of 90% to ensure energy security and economic stability amid market uncertainties.
Chevron and Energy Transfer Expand Their LNG Agreement at Lake Charles
Energy Transfer strengthens its partnership with Chevron by increasing their liquefied natural gas supply agreement by 50% from the upcoming Lake Charles LNG export terminal, strategically aiming for long-term supply security.
Woodside completes sale of 40% stake in Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak
Woodside finalises the divestment of a 40% stake in the Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak, injecting $5.7 billion to accelerate developments and optimise financial returns ahead of first gas delivery scheduled in 2026.
Keranic takes over Royal Helium and fast-tracks Steveville plant restart
Keranic Industrial Gas seals a sixty-day exclusivity deal to buy Royal Helium’s key assets, raise CAD9.5mn ($7.0mn) and bring Alberta’s Steveville plant back online in under fifteen weeks.
Fusion Fuel: Al Shola Gas secures AED4.4 mn ($1.2 mn) in contracts
The Irish-Portuguese company Fusion Fuel strengthens its footprint in the United Arab Emirates as subsidiary Al Shola Gas adds AED4.4 mn ($1.2 mn) in new engineering contracts, consolidating an already robust 2025 order book.
Cheniere Energy Approves Expansion of Corpus Christi LNG Terminal for 2029
Cheniere Energy validates major investment to expand Corpus Christi terminal, adding two liquefaction units to increase its liquefied natural gas export capacity by 2029, responding to recent international agreements.
LNG industry could reduce emissions by 60%, according to IEA
A study by the International Energy Agency reveals that global emissions from liquefied natural gas could be significantly reduced using current technologies.
Europe accelerates gas storage filling despite declining reserves
Europe is injecting natural gas into underground storage facilities at a three-year high, even as reserves remain below historical averages, prompting maximized imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Seoul freezes electricity rates amid LNG supply risk concerns
South Korea abandons plans to lower electricity rates this summer, fearing disruptions in liquefied natural gas supply due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, despite recent declines in fuel import costs.
Russia ready to deliver liquefied natural gas to Mexico
Russia positions itself to supply liquefied natural gas to Mexico and considers expanded technological sharing in the energy sector, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov.
Israel resumes gas exports to Egypt and Jordan
Israel has partially resumed its natural gas exports to Egypt and Jordan following a week-long halt due to the closure of two major offshore gas fields, Leviathan and Karish.
Nepal Identifies Major Methane Reserve Estimated at 112 Billion m³
Nepal reveals a significant potential reserve of methane in the west of the country, following exploratory drilling conducted with technical support from China, opening new economic prospects.
Petronas and JOGMEC Sign Strategic Agreement around LNG Canada Project
Petronas formalizes a memorandum with JOGMEC to secure Japanese LNG deliveries, including a first cargo from LNG Canada scheduled for July at Toho Gas.
Serbia negotiates gas deal with Gazprom at competitive European price
Belgrade is currently finalising a new gas contract with Russia, promising Europe's lowest tariff, according to Srbijagas General Director Dusan Bajatovic, despite Europe's aim to eliminate Russian imports by 2027.
TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy secure strategic exploration licence in Algeria
TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy have won the Ahara exploration licence, marking a new stage in their partnership with SONATRACH on a vast area located between Berkine and Illizi.
TotalEnergies plans to restart its Mozambique gas project by summer 2025
After four years of interruption due to regional insecurity, TotalEnergies announces the upcoming resumption of its liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique, representing a $20bn investment.
TotalEnergies strengthens Malaysian foothold with new offshore blocks
The French group has acquired from PETRONAS stakes in several licences covering more than 100,000 km² off Malaysia and Indonesia, consolidating its Asian presence and its exposure to the liquefied natural gas market.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS