U.S. LNG imports to hit 500 bcf in 2009-EIA

NEW YORK May 12 (Reuters) - U.S. imports of liquefied natural gas are set to hit 500 billion cubic feet in 2009, up from 350 bcf in 2008, according to the latest monthly forecast from the U.S. government.

The Energy Information Administration raised its forecast from the 480 bcf forecast last month.

It said that LNG imports in 2010 will hit 650 bcf.

(Reporting by Edward McAllister; Editing by David Gregorio)