China has ramped up purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG), pulling in rare cargoes from Cameroon, Egypt and Europe, trade data shows, as the world’s most populous nation shores up supplies to avoid power shortages during a prolonged heat wave. Buying has picked up more than it usually would in the warmer summer months, with households cranking up their air conditioners in the face of scorching temperatures since early spring in many areas. Some cities have rationed electricity. Beijing’s push to switch households and factories to cleaner fuel as part of a drive to clear the country’s toxic air and curb coal use has also stoked demand. And some buyers are already in the market for winter supplies, replenishing inventories earlier than usual, traders said. “Summer gas demand has picked up due to more consumption from gas-fired power plants as temperatures rise,” said Diao Zhouwei, gas […]