The Chinese major is pushing emissions reducing products in Western China
China National Petroleum Corp, the parent company of PetroChina, has begun selling National IV standard diesel products at more than 780 fuel stations across Xinjiang province in West China. The plan is part of an overall drive to promote low-emission products across the country.
Currently, National III standard products are the norm in Xinjiang but, as of January 2015, fuels and lubes will have to begin complying with National IV standards. Under the new regulations, diesel oils can to contain no more than 35 to 40 milligrams of sulphur per litre.
Chinese oil companies have been under pressure from the government to improve the quality of their products and reduce emissions and have therefore been investing heavily in product development. However the drop in oil price is now squeezing oil majors from both sides.