*East Asia’s Q1 2020 LNG imports were up by a modest 3.8% year on year despite the Covid-19 pandemic hitting gas demand across the region. Imports by the worst-hit country, China, were up 2% year-on-year, though this is way down on the 21% gains seen in Q1 2019 not to mention 59% for Q1 2018 (see chart 1).

*South Korea reported chunky 20% growth, though volumes remain below 2018 levels. Global number one importer Japan saw a 4% fall. (CONTINUED - 267 WORDS)