No. 340, Nov 5(2)

Delay in Beijing-Shanghai Express Rail Construction
News, page 4
The construction of the Beijing-Shanghai express railway has been delayed due to disagreements over land acquisition and relocation matters. Work for the 186 billion yuan project, covering four provinces and three municipalities and with a track measuring 1,318km, is supposed to commence this month. However, all but one local government disagreed to shoulder the cost of land acquisition and relocation in their respective territories as a way to gain share in the railway project.
Original article: [Chinese]

End of Monopoly in Methane Trade
News, page 5
The Chinese State Council has opened the door for more local companies to take part in foreign trade involving methane. Previously, China United Coal-bed Methane Corporation had the sole right in dealing with foreign co-operations, but the State Council has recently issued a notice allowing "other authorized companies" to join the trade. PetroChina and Sinopec Corporation are likely to be added to the list, which is said to be expanded to between five and ten authorized companies.
Original article: [Chinese]

Fuel Challenges for China
Feature, page 9
The price of petrol in China has finally gone up by 500 yuan per ton after months of escalating global oil price. The price bump, which is still far below the global market rate, is expected to push up the consumer price index by 0.05%. As market watchers anticipate global oil prices to soon reach the 100 USD per barrel mark, some refineries in the country have cut down or even frozen productions, leading to fuel shortage and long queues at petrol kiosks.
Original article: [Chinese]