China to Raise Some Natural Gas Prices

China's National Development and Reform Commission announced a more than 20 percent increase in natural gas prices for commercial and industrial users as of Sept. 1, along with removing price controls on imported liquefied natural gas, shale gas and coal bed methane.  The NDRC has a difficult balance to strike between allowing prices to rise sufficiently to encourage expanded domestic gas production and gas import projects, while keeping prices low enough to expand demand to meet environmental goals.  Full story on China's gas prices changes and strategy here.

China Slashes Shale Gas Target

Reuters, citing a Chinese website, reports that China has dropped its target of 60-80 billion cubic metres of shale gas production in 2020 to only 30 bcm.  A likely boost for China's LNG import requirements.  Full story here.