Today, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced that starting from today, the price of refined oil will be increased by a certain amount.
This is the first price increase for refined oil since December of last year. The NDRC said that the increase was necessary to ensure fair prices for refined oil and support the production of high-quality refined oil products.
The price increase, which will primarily be on the various grades of gasoline and diesel, is expected to bring in an additional 17 billion yuan of revenue this year. According to the NDRC, the increased revenue will be used to support energy companies, to encourage investment in refining and production technologies, and to help reduce air pollution.
The NDRC also noted that the price increase was made in accordance with the State Councils macroeconomic policies. The move was also meant to ensure compliance with fiscal and monetary moves to curb excessive growth in commodity prices.
This isnt the first time China has taken measures to adjust the price of refined oil. Since 2009, the NDRC has used a mechanism known as the price structural adjustment fund to adjust the prices of gasoline and diesel. This fund has previously been used to offset fluctuations in the domestic market and to offset the burden on consumers.
The price increase is likely to have a major impact on consumers, especially those who rely heavily on gasoline and diesel for transportation. For those who drive personal cars, the price increase will likely mean higher costs for gasoline and diesel.
At the same time, the increase could also affect the production of related industries. Businesses in the transportation, construction and agricultural sectors will all feel the pinch of higher fuel prices.
While the decision to adjust refined oil prices is necessary for the fair pricing of oil products and the support of refined oil production, NDRC noted that it was keen to ensure that these price increases do not result in an unreasonable burden on the public.
To this end, the NDRC has announced plans to provide support to enterprises and individuals who are likely to be impacted by the price increase. This support could come in a variety of forms, according to the NDRC, including subsidies, tax reductions, and fee waivers.
Overall, the price increase is likely to play a significant role in Chinas energy policies, both in terms of providing a stable and fair price for oil products and in terms of reducing air pollution. It is also likely to have a significant impact on individuals and businesses alike.
While the price increase may bring some short-term inconvenience, it could have positive implications for China in the long-term. By providing a more stable and fair price for oil products, it could increase consumer confidence in the energy sector, encourage more investment, and possibly help to reduce air pollution.