Many sectors of the oil industry remain dominated by the state petroleum companies, with very few inroads to date by international oil majors. However gradual liberalisation and growing demand will offer new projects and supply opportunities, particularly to the smaller private companies already established in China.

Coal will continue to be the major source of energy to supply power in China, although its use in major cities is now being discouraged for environmental reasons. Demand for transportation fuels, particularly jet fuel and diesel, will continue to grow strongly as the economy develops. The markets for these fuels will also gradually liberalise and there will be increasing opportunities for independent terminals and supply.

Over the past few years there has been a rapid growth in the supply and infrastructure for natural gas in China. Natural gas is the most attractive fuel for households and businesses as it is environmentally clean and convenient, and cheaper than all other fuels except coal. Gas demand rose by 19 per cent in 2006 but still represents only 3 per cent of China's energy portfolio, compared with 23 per cent for gas in Europe. Future gas demand will be met by development of China's reserves of petroleum gas and coal bed methane, plus imports of gas through pipeline or LNG carriers.