LNG imports up 53% in November

China's imports of liquefied natural gas surged sharply in November as the nation experienced fuel shortages amid peak winter demand and the government's drive to cut coal use.

LNG imports rose 53 percent year-on-year to 4.06 million metric tons, according to data posted on Saturday on the website of the General Administration of Customs. Shipments in the first 11 months of the year were up 48.4 percent to 33.13 million tons.

The world's largest energy user is facing a winter natural gas supply crunch after demand surged this year amid the country's fight against smog by converting millions of households to gas or electric heating.