Qatar signs second 27year deal to supply China with LNG
Asian customers lead race to secure LNG from QatarEnergy39;s expansion
China39;s CNPC takes equity stake in QatarEnergy expansion project

DOHA, June 20 Reuters Qatar on Tuesday secured its second large gas supply deal with a Chinese statecontrolled company in less than a year, putting Asia clearly ahead in the race to secure gas supplies from Doha39;s massive production expansion project.

China National Petroleum Corporation CNPC and QatarEnergy signed a 27year agreement, under which China will purchase 4 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas LNG a year from the Gulf Arab state.

CNPC will also take an equity stake in the eastern expansion of Qatar39;s North Field LNG project, QatarEnergy chief Saad alKaabi said at the signing.

The stake is the equivalent of 5 of one LNG train with capacity of 8 million metric tons a year.

Today we are signing two agreements that will further enhance our strong relations with one of the most important gas markets in the world and key market for Qatari energy products, Kaabi said.

In an identical deal, QatarEnergy sealed a 27year supply agreement with China39;s Sinopec in November for 4 million metric tons a year. The stateowned Chinese gas giant also took an equity stake equivalent to 5 of one LNG train of 8 million metric tons a year capacity.

Asia, with an appetite for longterm sales and purchase agreements, has outpaced Europe in locking in supply from Qatar39;s…