China raises retail fuel prices

BEIJING - China will raise the retail prices of gasoline and diesel starting Friday, the country's top economic planner said Thursday.

Based on changes in international oil prices, the retail prices of both gasoline and diesel will be increased by 270 yuan ($40.36) and 260 yuan per ton respectively, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

This is the fourth consecutive hike in retail fuel prices.

Under the current pricing mechanism, if international crude oil prices change by more than 50 yuan per ton and remain at that level for 10 working days, the prices of refined oil products such as gasoline and diesel in China are adjusted accordingly.

The NDRC has demanded that major oil companies, including China National Petroleum Corporation, China Petrochemical Corporation, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation, work to ensure stable supply and implement the pricing policy.

The economic planner said it would closely monitor the effects of the current pricing mechanism and make improvements in response to global fluctuations.