From today the price of gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel in China goes up by about 10 percent, or 500 yuan (US$62.4) per ton, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

An official with the commission said last night the decision to increase fuel costs related to the fact that China's current prices are far below those of the international market and this was having an adverse impact on the country's oil refineries.

He added that the soaring price of crude oil on the international market, which has been above US$70 per barrel for days, had contributed to the decision.

The commission has asked all local governments to strictly implement a series of subsidy policies after the rise and take measures to protect the incomes of taxi drivers.

It also asked the two national oil suppliers China National Petroleum Corporation and China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation to increase the supply of processed oil to meet market demands.

This is "the largest adjustment since 2003" according to an Interfax report.

The last oil price adjustment came on March 26 when gasoline and diesel retail prices rose respectively by 250 yuan (US$31.25) and 150 yuan (US$18.75) per ton.

Compensation measures were put in place for transport and agricultural businesses on March 26 and were believed to pave the way for further oil price rises.

Following this latest rise domestic fuel prices will remain around 800 yuan (US$100) per ton less than on the international market, according to Gordon Kwan, director of China Oil and Gas Research with Hong Kong-based CLSA brokerage.

Since January 2003, China's benchmark 90-octane retail gasoline guide price has risen by 56 percent and its diesel fuel price gone up by 50 percent.

(China Daily May 24, 2006)