Sumitomo Corp's energy unit mulls Singapore LNG trading desk

TOKYO, Jan 8 (Reuters) - The energy trading unit of Japan's Sumitomo Corp 8053.T is in early stages of exploring setting up a liquefied natural gas trading desk in Singapore, said a company spokesperson on Thursday.

U.S.-based Pacific Summit Energy, which had set up an LNG trading desk in London in August, is now considering expanding its network into Asia, as part of broader plans to strengthen its global LNG trading and marketing operations.

Pacific Summit Energy's London trading desk has three staff members as of now, added the Sumitomo Corp spokesperson.

Bloomberg News first reported on its consideration of establishing a Singapore LNG trading desk.

Sumitomo Corp established Pacific Summit Energy as its wholly-owned subsidiary in 2004, with offices in California, Texas, and Virginia in the U.S.

Japan is the world's second largest importer of LNG, using the fuel primarily for power generation, city gas supply and industrial applications.