Japan Eyes LNG Hub by Early 2020s

摘要

Japan aims to become an internationally recognized LNG trading hub by the early 2020s by opening up access to regasification terminals and investing in LNG storage facilities, the country’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry told a gathering of energy ministers from the G7 group on Monday. The host country also called for destination restrictions in contracts to be eliminated as much as possible as they prevent LNG cargoes from being resold, thus limiting liquidity (IOD Apr.18'16). In a joint statement, the G7 ministers said they supported moves in the direction of creating LNG trading hubs to improve market transparency and liquidity. "Relaxing destination clauses in LNG contracts, encouraging market development of price indices reflecting LNG supply and demand, and continued dialogue among stakeholders are crucial to achieve this," they said.