SHANGHAI - China consumed more than 280 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2018 and is considered one of the world's most robust natural gas and LNG (liquefied natural gas) markets, authorities said Tuesday.

The country's natural gas imports exceeded 90 million tonnes, with LNG imports from 25 countries in Asian Pacific, North America and the Middle East hitting record highs to more than 53 million tonnes, accounting for over 60 percent of total imports.

The figures were released on Tuesday at the ongoing 19th International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas held in Shanghai.

"China's annual receiving capacity of LNG has grown significantly in 2018 by 10 million tonnes," Zhang Jianhua, head of the National Energy Administration said, noting that the LNG industry of the country would get on a stronger footing for development with improving infrastructure and mechanisms, as well as a growing market.

H. E. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar's minister of State for Energy Affairs, said that Qatar had worked with China on a critical LNG trade project last year and hopes to have more cooperations in the future.

Taking place on April 1 to 5, the conference is approved by the State Council and supported by the municipal government of Shanghai. Industry players from 53 countries and regions worldwide are attending the event.