China’s economic growth slowdown and structural changes in industry are having significant impact on its energy consumption growth rate decrease. However, natural gas occupies only 6% in China’s energy consumption mix, which is why it has a potential to replace other sources of energy (as coal) and grow much faster than energy consumption in general. By 2020 China is planning to consume 360 bcma of natural gas, by 2030 – around 550-600 bcma. As far as internal gas production potential is limited, import dependence will grow. The author researches the key factors and forecasts of natural gas consumption in China, as well as opportunities for foreign natural gas importers.

Key words: China’s energy, natural gas consumption, LNG import.