LNG providing more power for Japan

Imports of liquefied natural gas soar to a record 87 million tons in 2012.

Japan's LNG imports soared by 11.2%, driven by an increased need for fuel to generate electricity after Japan severely restricted its use of nuclear energy following the Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011.

Japan is now the world's top importer of LNG. Last year's shipments were also a record in value terms at US$67 billion, exceeding the previous record set in 2011.

LNG imports came to 7.705 million tonnes in December, the highest for the month of December, and up 7.4% year-on-year.

Imports of thermal coal for power generation fell 2.8% in December to 8.478 million tonnes, said the government. Crude oil imports, however, grew 2% to 213.03 million kiloliters in 2012 from a 22-year low in 2011.