China to lower gasoline, diesel retail prices

A staff member refuels a car at a gas station in Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 17, 2023. (Photo by Xue Yingying/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- China will cut the retail prices of gasoline and diesel from Wednesday, based on recent changes in international oil prices, the country's top economic planner said on Tuesday.

Gasoline prices will be reduced by 415 yuan (about 58.47 U.S. dollars) per tonne, and diesel prices by 400 yuan per tonne, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

Under the current pricing mechanism, the prices of refined oil products are adjusted following changes in international crude oil prices.

China's three leading oil companies -- China National Petroleum Corporation, China Petrochemical Corporation, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation -- and other oil refineries have been asked to maintain oil production and facilitate transportation to ensure stable supplies.