Gazprom has disclosed a major shift in its engagement with China, highlighted by remarks from the company’s leadership. Since the start of 2023, the gas export relationship has entered a distinctly new phase, signaling a transformation in bilateral energy trade and reinforcing Asia’s rising role in global gas demand. The update, issued by Gazprom’s press service, reflects a strategic alignment with Beijing’s energy requirements and a long-term outlook for both economies.
During 2022, China’s appetite for greater gas deliveries grew, and Gazprom consistently surpassed contractual quotas. This pattern of over-fulfillment extended through the year, culminating on December 31 with a decision to accelerate the daily supply level for the coming year, ahead of the original timetable. Chinese requests, matched by Gazprom’s operational readiness, enabled a proactive adjustment to the contractual framework and laid the groundwork for 2023 commitments.
“Thus, since January 1, 2023, Gazprom has reached a fundamentally new level of gas supply to China,” Miller noted, emphasizing the strategic importance of intensified deliveries and the broader cooperative trajectory between the two economies.
Throughout the prior year, Gazprom communicated multiple record gas shipments to China. The latest milestone, recorded on December 28, showed an 18.7% excess over contractual obligations. By year-end, the total export volume to China approached 48 billion cubic meters, marking a notable achievement within the company’s export portfolio and reflecting robust demand growth in the Chinese market. [Citation: Gazprom press service]
Looking forward, Asia, with China in the lead, is anticipated to remain a principal driver of global gas consumption growth. This projections strengthen Gazprom’s strategic position in the Asian arena and support the continued expansion of its China-focused strategy. The company is pursuing two potential transit routes from the Far East; development has begun on the first, while the second route is in planning or early development in collaboration with Mongolian partners. A formal contract has been signed for the eastern route, signaling a commitment to diversify supply corridors and bolster regional energy security. [Citation: Gazprom press service]
Previously, Miller had forecast a 2022 gas production figure around 412.6 billion cubic meters. The ongoing revisions and execution of supply agreements illustrate Gazprom’s adaptive approach in response to changing market conditions and sustained demand from its Chinese customers. [Citation: Gazprom press service]