Oil and gas news briefs September 27, 2012

• Japanese newspaper editorial argues for lower LNG prices
• Japanese utility signs new 15-year LNG deal with Qatargas
• China’s LNG demand depends on coal, shale, nuclear and pipelines
• Shift in LNG pricing poses risk to North American export projects
• Australia LNG industry criticizes proposal to curtail tax breaks
• Gazprom’s troubles could present problems for Putin
• Western state lawmakers push for LNG export decision
• Chinese company officials look for business in Canada
• Texas environmental group reports on public costs of fracking
• Colorado considers baseline groundwater sampling for drillers
• North Dakota flared gas could go to new fertilizer plant
• New pipelines will boost Marcellus gas supply to Eastern markets
• FERC hears opposition to Pennsylvania natural gas pipeline