China increased its imports of Russian liquefied natural gas by 28.2% year-on-year in January-August 2026, reaching 5.15 million tons. This is evidenced by data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, as reported by TASS.

In monetary terms, LNG supplies from Russia grew by 13.2%, to $2.66 billion. Russia ranks third among LNG suppliers to China, trailing Australia (13.21 million tons) and Malaysia (5.38 million tons).

In August, Russian LNG imports to China increased by 53.1% compared to July, reaching 951.15 thousand tons. In terms of value, it grew by 58.3%, to $529.2 million.

Oil supplies

Russia increased oil supplies to China by 18.1% in January-August, reaching 77.65 million tons. In monetary terms, imports grew by 33.3%, to $44.84 billion. Russia maintains its status as the largest oil exporter to China. Saudi Arabia is in second place (40.41 million tons), and Brazil is in third (39.14 million tons).

In August, China increased oil imports from Russia by 22.6% compared to July, reaching 11.22 million tons. The value increased by 26.1%, to $6.47 billion.

Pipeline gas

Supplies of Russian pipeline gas to China in January-August increased by 0.5% in monetary terms, reaching $6.53 billion. The physical volume is not provided by Chinese customs. Russia remains the largest supplier of pipeline gas to China, with Turkmenistan in second place ($5.51 billion).

In August, the value of pipeline gas from Russia is estimated at $1.03 billion – 23.3% more than in July.

For context: in 2025, China increased its imports of Russian LNG by 18.2%, to 9.79 million tons. Supplies via the "Power of Siberia" pipeline grew by approximately 25%, to about 38.8 billion cubic meters.