QatarEnergy, is in talks with Japanese firms for a long-term deal to supply LNG from its North Field expansion project, five trading and industry sources told Reuters.
Under the deal, Qatar would supply a consortium of Japanese importers, and a volume of at least 3 million metric tons per annum of gas would be split between them, four of the sources said.
The buyers in talks with QatarEnergy include JERA, Japan's largest power generator and trading house Mitsui & Co, said four of the sources, who declined to be identified as they were not authorized to speak to the media.
QatarEnergy did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment, while JERA said it is in discussions with various suppliers for LNG procurement. It recognized Qatar as an important supplier, but said it would not disclose specific details of its discussions.