摘要
This paper aims to provide reference and basis for the decision making of natural gas development in China.First,it reviews the history of the global natural gas market from the unprecedented recession to strong recovery since the financial crisis in 2008.Then,a deep investigation is made into the developing trend of global gas market as well as its causes and consequences.Finally,based on the fact that the developing trend of global gas market is always positive but its increasing rate is affected by geopolitics and geo-economy,the forecast is made of the prospect of natural gas market in China.It is pointed out that the "Natural Gas Wave" will be coming soon for many reasons such as the requirement of national policies,the rising demand in the market,a rather low degree of the improved gas reserves,a high potential of high reserves and production,rapidly increasing import of natural gas,the improvement of infrastructures,and a robust support for gas supply.Moreover,this paper also presents four proposals for the development of natural gas market in China.(1) National gas supply should be dominated by domestic gas resources and supported by foreign ones;(2) Natural gas supply should be kept under control with a gas reserve system;(3) The reform on natural gas pricing system should be further deepened;(4) More spot transaction trials should be made in the gas market and natural gas trading centers/hubs should be planned and constructed.