TIANJIN - Natural gas imports via North China's Tianjin port soared 91.2 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters to 7.12 million tons, according to Tianjin Customs Tuesday.

The imports were all liquefied natural gas, and the total value grew 88.8 percent to 23.46 billion yuan ($3.3 billion), making Tianjin port China's largest port for liquefied natural gas imports.

Natural gas imported from Australia rose 110 percent to 4.84 million tons in the first three quarters, accounting for 67.9 percent of the total.

As an efficient and green energy source, the imported liquefied natural gas helps ensure the supply during the winter heating season in North China.