May 24, 2013
Translated by Pang Lei

Zhou Jiping (周吉平), the newly-appointed Chairman of China National Petroleum Corp, has told domestic media that accusations that the company is deliberately limiting natural gas supplies in order to put pressure on the government to raise prices is false.

At a media briefing on the sidelines of a general shareholder meeting held yesterday, Chairman Zhou said that problems with supply and demand mean that the company has restricted access to natural gas in some areas and to some customers.

"There are some who say that China National Petroleum Corp is limiting sales in order to pressure the government to raise prices, we absolutely do not have such an intention."

Previously there had been reports that the company's Northeast China sales department has informed companies in Hebei, Shandong and Shanxi in late April, that as of May 2, they would be limiting gas supplies. Reports quoted industry analysts as interpreting the move as an attempt to drive gas prices higher.

Today's Beijing News reports that as yesterday's meeting with the press was concluding and the Chairman was preparing to leave the meeting room, a journalist shouted out a question about the issue of limiting gas supplies. After Zhou heard the question, he returned to his seat to address the issue.

Zhou Jiping acknowledged that "China National Petroleum Corp has indeed introduced appropriate purchase limits for some areas and customers, but this is absolutely not about forcing prices up."

Links and Sources
Beijing News:周吉平：“限气”绝不是逼政府涨价