China To Purchase LNG From Suez, Total and Shell

China National Offshore Oil Corp, the nation's third-biggest oil producer, has inked framework agreements to purchase LNG from three foreign energy suppliers to meet its ambitious import plans.

"CNOOC signed the master agreements for LNG spot cargoes with Suez SA, Total SA and Shell Eastern Trading (Pte) Ltd respectively on October 5, 6 and 10," said the Beijing-based oil company in a statement.

Beijing-backed CNOOC is leading the push for LNG terminal construction along the eastern coast amid government efforts to diversify the nation's energy supply and alleviate its heavy reliance on coal and oil.

CNOOC plans to build as many as seven LNG-importing terminals in six provinces and municipalities, only two of which have obtained government approval and gas supplies.