China stepped up output of coal and gas to record level in March turning to domestic producers to ensure supply amid international pricing climbing as war in Ukraine continues.
Coal production increased 15% on year to 396 million tons
According to data from the statistics bureau on Monday, coal production increased 15% on year to 396 million tons, while natural gas rose 6.3% to 19.7 billion cubic meters.
Meanwhile, crude output rose 3.9% to 17.71 million tons, its best level since December 2015, although refining activity retreated as demand remained fragile due to a resurgent virus.
According to a top industry official as reported by Bloomberg, China’s effort to wring more output from miners may have reached its limit, warning that the extra supply may not prevent a return to electricity shortages in key industrial regions.
Earlier official data showed China’s economic growth accelerated in the first quarter, however setback from recent lockdown is yet to be reflected.
