China's zero-Covid policy will continue to dampen gas demand
Letter from China: Appetite for gas shrinks
Even potential government stimulus measures might not be enough to bolster demand
This year so far has been challenging for China’s gas market and looks likely to remain so over the final quarter. Attention is now shifting to the demand outlook for 2023 as Beijing considers the next stage of its zero-Covid strategy, but there is little relief in sight. While China’s commitment to gas is undiminished, the slowdown in domestic demand has been obvious since the middle of last year. While apparent consumption climbed by 12.5pc in 2021, much of this growth was concentrated in the first six months, which logged a 17.4pc year-on-year increase as the economy bounced back from the initial Covid epidemic. The slowdown in H2 2021 has carried into this year, with apparent consumption
Also in this section
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal
