Chinese ministry cites crude import needs

Eric Watkins
Senior Correspondent

LOS ANGELES, Aug 3 � China's demand for crude oil will outstrip domestic supply by some 130 million tonnes in 2005.

China's Ministry of Commerce predicted that the country's crude oil output would increase by 3% this year to 180 million tonnes but that demand would rise by 6% to 310 million tonnes.

Imports will have to fill demand not met by domestic production.

The ministry said demand for refined oil will rise by 5% to more than 230 million tonnes.

Within that total, the demand for gasoline will increase by 4% to more than 54 million tonnes, while diesel oil will rise 6.5% to 110 million tonnes, and fuel oil will increase by 5% to 54 million tonnes.