俄油价格暴跌，天然气六折卖给中国！为啥俄罗斯宁可亏本也要出手？

Core Viewpoint - Russia is selling liquefied natural gas (LNG) at a significant loss, with prices reportedly at a 40% discount, indicating a desperate need to maintain cash flow and customer relationships amid Western sanctions [1][2][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The buyer of the LNG is China, while the seller is Novatek, with the gas sourced from the Arctic LNG 2 project, which has recently commenced production [2][3]. - The project aims to produce 19.8 million tons of LNG annually, primarily for export to Asia, especially China and India [3]. - Due to U.S. sanctions, including restrictions on insurance and financing, Russia faces significant challenges in exporting its LNG, leading to a situation where production continues without any shipments [3][5]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - Russia's decision to sell at a loss is a strategic move to secure a long-term customer base in China, as other markets like the EU and India are reducing their reliance on Russian energy [6][8]. - The geopolitical landscape has shifted, with China emerging as a key player willing to purchase Russian energy despite U.S. pressures, highlighting a significant realignment in global energy supply chains [10][12]. - The ongoing collaboration between Russia and China is seen as a pragmatic response to the current geopolitical climate, with both countries benefiting from the arrangement [15][17]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The continuation of this energy partnership is contingent on the persistence of Western sanctions and the need for both countries to maintain their respective energy strategies [19][21]. - Russia's internal reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining production levels to ensure the continuity of its energy export strategy, even at a loss [19][23]. - The evolving energy landscape suggests that as long as demand remains and sanctions persist, the current pricing strategy may continue, potentially leading to further discounts to secure long-term contracts [23][25].