Soaring diesel demand in China to continue next February

"Shenzhen News" in response to China's recent diesel tensions, the IEA said over the weekend that the surge in China's diesel demand triggered by the shutdown could continue at least until next February, which could force Beijing to adjust its policies leading to a shortage of diesel supplies. The International Energy Agency said in its latest monthly report that since August, the government's efforts to close down thermal power plants to achieve energy-saving emissions targets have led many industrial users along the coast to use diesel generators to secure electricity supplies. China's demand for diesel is likely to continue at least until February 2011, when the power-plant restriction could end. The IEA estimates that the average daily demand for diesel in 2010 will increase by 10.5% to 2.98 million barrels, while the revised total oil demand in China will grow by 9.8% to 9.2 million barrels a day. In addition, the agency expects a 2011-year diesel-day demand in China of 3.12 million barrels and a total oil daily demand of 9.6 million barrels. Shanghai)