Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd., one of the largest buyers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Japan, said Tuesday that it has established a new company to more actively trade the super-chilled fuel as it looks to strengthen its hand in the global market. 

TG Global Trading Co. Ltd. (TGT) has been established to build on a plan announced late last year to boost international profits and expand the company’s role in the LNG value chain. Japan is the world’s largest importer, having taken in 77 million tons (Mt) last year. 

Tokyo Gas imported nearly 14 Mt in 2019, but has not been an active LNG trader. It is Japan’s largest provider of city gas, serving more than 11 million customers in Tokyo and the surrounding region. 

“TGT regards the global LNG demand growth centered in Asia and...