Experts: Shortages unlikely this winter

Industry insiders said the gas shortage that hit China last winter is unlikely to reoccur this year, thanks to rising competition among domestic suppliers, a more open and liberalized domestic gas sector and more international supply agreements.

As a result of government efforts to increase liquefied natural gas imports and step up natural gas pipeline construction, the chances are low that the country will see a repeat of last winter's supply/demand imbalance despite growing demand for natural gas, said Li Li, research director at energy consulting company ICIS China.

"The government has taken on board lessons from last year, and is placing a higher focus on ensuring sufficient gas supply with better planning in advance to avoid shortages," Li said.