China's LNG imports have jumped to their highest since the Iran war started, as Chinese buyers ramp up to replace lost Qatari supply ahead of peak summer demand.

China's LNG imports have jumped to their highest since the Iran war started, as Chinese buyers ramp up to replace lost Qatari supply ahead of peak summer demand.

Beijing has leaned on stockpiles, refinery cuts and export curbs instead of chasing replacement crude, helping cushion global markets from the supply shock.

In May, China's crude imports dropped to 33 million tons, the lowest in over eight years, as the Iran conflict affected supply. | Business News

With zero from Qatar for the second straight month in May, LNG deliveries have fallen below overland pipeline volumes from Russia and Turkmenistan.

China's crude oil imports dropped 29% to an eight-year low during the Iran war, keeping Brent crude under $100 as Beijing drew down strategic reserves.