The cargo is being offered from CNOOC's LNG receiving terminal in the southern province of Hainan for delivery to ports outside China from July 1-7, two of the sources said.

It is offered on a delivered-ex-ship basis, meaning shipping will be provided by CNOOC. The Hoegh Esperanza will be used to deliver the cargo, one source said.

The tender opened on April 16 and the deadline for bids is April 18.

The offer highlights China's reduced appetite for LNG after a mild winter resulted in high stock levels and subdued LNG prices in Asia.