Shanghai Gas Stations Rationing Diesel Fuel As Shortages Continue

[hatrack]

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SOME gas stations are limiting diesel sales as the nationwide fuel shortage starts to hit Shanghai. Soaring crude oil prices are starting to have a big impact at a local level, as oil companies say they are doing their best to ensure supply.

An employee at a Sinopec petrol station near Lujiazui, Pudong, said many services stations uptown had been rationing diesel, with each vehicle only getting a quarter, or less, of its tank filled, per visit. Most Shanghai pump stations selling diesel are located outside downtown. Buses owned by travel agencies could be most affected while public buses should be immune as public transport operators usually sign long-term purchase contracts.

"Diesel supply is tight in town now as the shortage spreads," said Lu Xiangrong, a media relations official at Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical. "But we will allocate more supply to address the situation in town."

Fuel shortages were reported throughout China over the weekend, from southern Guangdong and Fujian to eastern Zhejiang and central Henan. Industry sources said the tight supply could last for another month.


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http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2007/200710/20071030/article_336311.htm