The Chinese economy will also be key to oil market balances this year, as in any other year. Analysts are eager to see the direction of the economy in 2025 after the lackluster growth in 2024, when China barely hit its GDP growth target amid a series of hits and misses in key economic data points.
People are seen at a booth of a Chinese company during an oil expo in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 9, 2024. Chinese energy firms are making a notable appearance at Iraq’s second International Exhibition and Conference for Oil Projects and Licensing Tours, which commenced in Baghdad on Monday, aiming to leverage opportunities in the country’s expanding energy sector. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and its listed company PetroChina are looking to buy oil and gas exploration and production assets and LNG opportunities globally in what could be a revival of deal-making for the Chinese state giant after two decades.
A new Chinese umbrella company grouping all the state majors will drill for ultradeep oil and gas, and explore shale formations in China.
China produced 4.2 million barrels daily in 2023.
Unconventional resources have long been a focus of attention for China’s state oil and gas majors, but developing them has been a challenge.
Gazprom and CNPC agreed to increase the volume of Russian gas export to China through the Power of Siberia pipeline next year.
QatarEnergy has signed definitive agreements with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), covering the long-term supply of LNG to China and partnership in the North Field East LNG expansion project (NFE).