China to hike retail fuel prices

China will raise the retail prices of gasoline and diesel from Tuesday, the country’s top economic planner said Monday.

Based on recent changes in international oil prices, the retail prices of gasoline and diesel will be each increased by 140 yuan (about 21.7 U.S. dollars) per tonne, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

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

In the current round of adjustment, global crude oil prices have risen. According to the NDRC price monitoring center, international oil prices may continue to fluctuate in the short term.

China’s three biggest oil companies — China National Petroleum Corporation, China Petrochemical Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Corporation — have been asked to maintain oil production and facilitate transportation to ensure stable supplies.