The applications for its use are likewise very diverse: power generation, public transportation, use as an industrial fuel and a chemical material, etc.

So natural gas has recently enjoyed a greater role as a new generation fuel.

In 2007, the total volume of global LNG trade reached 172 million tons, 8% higher than in 2006.

From 2003 to 2006, the global trade developed rapidly with annual increase of 8.3%, higher than the 5.7% annual increase of global Pipeline NG trade in the same period.

In China, natural gas consumption accounts for 3% of the total energy demand.

Following the operations of a series of gas applications projects, such as Shan-Jing Gas Pipeline Project Phase I & II, West Gas Transmission East Project and Zhong Wu Pipeline Project, Se Ning Lan Pipeline Project.

The application of natural gas is expected to further expand. NDRC has estimated that natural gas consumption will rise by 6%-8% over the next five years.