China’s Gas Imports from Russia, Turkmenistan, and Other Partners: A 2023–2025 Snapshot
During the January–March period, the value of pipeline gas supplied to China from Russia climbed to 1.76 billion dollars, an increase of about 2.2 times compared with the prior period, according to the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China. This rise underscores ongoing shifts in energy trade flows and the role of pipeline gas in China’s broader energy strategy.
Data show Turkmenistan maintaining its position as China’s leading gas supplier in this timeframe, with deliveries rising 14 percent to reach 2.42 billion dollars. Russia remained a major supplier, occupying the second spot in the ranking. Myanmar rounded out the top three, with pipeline gas shipments valued at 409 million dollars, up 26 percent year over year. These rankings reflect China’s diversified gas import portfolio and the persistent demand for long‑term energy contracts with neighboring suppliers.
In March, Russian gas shipments to China declined in monetary terms by about 9 percent, settling at 588.7 million dollars. For the full year 2022, however, pipeline gas imports from Russia surged to 3.98 billion dollars, up 2.63 times from the previous year, signaling a rapid expansion of market access and long‑term pricing arrangements that have shaped the two countries’ energy cooperation.
Analysts have linked the strong interest in Russian gas with strategic considerations tied to China’s assessment of its global energy network. One research director noted that geopolitical and economic calculations influence China’s appetite for gas from different partners, shaping how supply is allocated when certain relationships are stressed or recalibrated. The insight points to a broader dynamic where China weighs domestic demand, supplier reliability, and price trajectories as it tightens or loosens access to various gas sources.
Earlier reports from industry observers suggested that negotiations around the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline could experience delays. Beijing’s pricing expectations for Russian gas appear to play a crucial role in any timetable decisions, reflecting the sensitivity of large‑scale infrastructure projects to the terms of long‑term supply contracts. The broader takeaway is that price, timing, and political alignment all influence the pace of cross‑border gas projects and the security of energy supply for China.