Japan’s LNG imports fall to 24-year low in May

Japan recorded its lowest monthly liquefied natural gas (LNG) import volume in 24 years in May 2026 amid intensified global competition for gas supplies following disruptions in Middle Eastern exports, according to data from Japan’s Ministry of Finance.

The data showed total LNG imports in May amounted to 3.96 million tonnes, marking a 15% year-on-year decline and a 7% decrease compared to April, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

This figure represents the lowest level since June 2002, when imports stood at 3.88 million tonnes.

By source, Japan imported 899,000 tonnes from Asian countries, 899,000 tonnes from ASEAN members, 677,000 tonnes from the United States, and 453,000 tonnes from Russia.

Supplies from Middle Eastern countries — including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman — totalled just 129,000 tonnes in May. This was 72% lower than in 2025 and 7% lower than in April.

The decline in shipments comes amid reported disruptions in the region, including a March suspension of LNG production in Qatar due to Iranian airstrikes, as well as transportation constraints affecting UAE exports amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Japan is one of the world’s largest importers of LNG.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov