CHINA TO BOOST GAS INDUSTRY

China's government is considering measures to boost development and utilization of natural gas, reported China Daily, Beijing. Quoting an official of state owned China National Oil & Gas Corp., China Daily said the government plans to adjust gas pricing policies and boost gas exploration and development spending to hike reserves "several times" the next 10 years. Under the current 5 year plan (1986 90), China is expected to double gas reserves found in the previous 5 year plan, the

Oct. 15, 1990

China's government is considering measures to boost development and utilization of natural gas, reported China Daily, Beijing.

Quoting an official of state owned China National Oil & Gas Corp., China Daily said the government plans to adjust gas pricing policies and boost gas exploration and development spending to hike reserves "several times" the next 10 years. Under the current 5 year plan (1986 90), China is expected to double gas reserves found in the previous 5 year plan, the official said.

Gas accounts for only 2% of China's energy mix and is priced lower than coal, the country's No. 1 fuel.

In addition to increased upstream spending, the government will focus on expanding urban gas grids, introducing gas into power generation, and investing in chemical fertilizer plants and other industries using natural gas as feedstock.

Upstream focus will be on the Tarim basin, Sichuan basin, and the Shaanxi-Gansu Ningxia area.