Gas supplies from Russia to China through the Power of Siberia gas pipeline have risen markedly since mid-November, according to Gazprom’s official channels after discussions with the Chinese state oil and gas company CNPC. The uptick in volumes reflects a broader effort to align supply with shifting demand patterns and to honor a recently signed amendment to the existing supply contract. Gazprom communicated the development on its official Telegram channel, underscoring the practical outcomes of renewed cooperation between the two energy giants and their respective governments.
The volume increase stems from the execution of a previously agreed addendum to the current contract, which secures greater throughput while maintaining the long-term framework that has governed deliveries. This adjustment signals both parties’ confidence in the reliability of the Power of Siberia corridor and their willingness to adapt operational parameters to meet commercial needs. In energy markets, such amendments are common as demand forecasts evolve, infrastructure utilization improves, and geopolitical considerations shape long-term planning.
Looking ahead, the parties have outlined an elevated supply target for 2024 through the Power of Siberia, aiming for annual deliveries of up to 30 billion cubic meters of gas, up from 22 billion cubic meters recorded in 2022. This planned increase is anchored in demand growth from China’s vast industrial base and households, as well as ongoing investment in pipeline capacity and compressor facilities. Analysts note that achieving the higher pace will depend on sustained upstream gas production, steady transit through Siberian routes, and robust scheduling to prevent bottlenecks along the pipeline system.
During the talks, discussions extended to a broader cross-border gas infrastructure concept, including a potential project to move gas from Russia to China via Mongolia with a capacity of up to 50 billion cubic meters per year. If realized, this corridor would diversify supply routes, reduce single-point dependency, and enhance the resilience of regional energy security. Concurrently, joint efforts continue on the construction of a natural gas pipeline along the Far East route, following the Ussuri River, which could connect additional Russian gas resources with Chinese demand centers and neighboring markets. The collaborative approach reflects a shared objective to expand energy connectivity while supporting regional economic development.
At present, Gazprom maintains a commitment to supply approximately 38 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually to China under a longstanding 30-year framework that began operations in December 2019. The decision to raise volumes is framed as a response to growing consumption in China, including electricity generation, manufacturing, and domestic heating needs. Industry observers emphasize that this trajectory aligns with broader trends in Eurasian energy trade, where long-term contracts provide stability for producers and predictable energy access for consumers, even as market dynamics continue to evolve.
Earlier communications from China and neighboring Asian markets highlighted readiness to receive additional Russian gas through alternative routes, including potential shipments via the Northern Sea Route, where seasonal and logistical considerations play a decisive role. While the Northern Sea Route offers opportunities for arctic‑to‑Asian gas delivery, its viability depends on ice conditions, shipping capacity, and the development of corresponding gas handling and regasification infrastructure. This backdrop underscores the ongoing interest in diversifying LNG and pipeline-based supply channels to improve energy security and price competitiveness across the region.
In a broader context, Russia’s LNG exports to the European Union have previously hit historical highs, reflecting swings in global LNG markets and European demand patterns. The evolving balance between pipeline gas and LNG, along with shifting consumer priorities, remains a focal point for policymakers and industry stakeholders as they navigate the intertwined futures of supply reliability, pricing transparency, and environmental considerations across transcontinental energy networks.