Japanese natural gas buyers seek better deals from Qatar

Tokyo

AS QATAR grapples with deepening diplomatic isolation, Japanese liquefied natural gas (LNG) buyers are pushing the world's largest seller for cheaper supplies.

Both Jera Co, one of the biggest LNG purchasers, and Tokyo Gas Co haven't decided if they'll sign new deals with Qatar to replace current contracts that begin expiring in 2021, according to executives from both companies. The buyers are insisting on less-expensive cargoes and greater purchasing flexibility from the Middle East nation, which relies on oil and gas for about half of its gross domestic product.