Gas shortfall presses Beijing to open up market

摘要

LNG has emerged as a battle ground between conservatives and liberalisers in China, where proposals to open up the sector to greater participation have run into trouble. The country faces a growing gas shortfall, as consumption outstrips supply growth. Top economic planning body the NDRC wants to widen the pool of companies allowed to build large-scale receiving terminals. It also wants to allow provincial authorities to approve construction of smaller-scale projects, eliminating much of the red tape associated with seeking central government approval.