The China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC), a parent company of the nation's top oil and gas producer PetroChina, predicted on October 14 that its natural gas supply at home will increase 13 percent during the upcoming winter and spring seasons.
A company spokesman said the CNPC expects its gas supplies during the two seasons to total 57 billion cubic meters.
The company forecasted the hike amid robust natural gas demand as some Chinese cities begin using natural gas instead of coal for winter heating in order to reduce damage to the environment.
In a government action plan unveiled in September 2013, China vowed to take a multi-pronged approach to tackling air pollution by cutting coal use, shutting down polluters and promoting cleaner production.
Under the plan, the country will boost supplies of natural gas, coal-based substitute natural gas and coalbed methane. |