Apparent consumption of refined oil for the first 9 months was 180.43 million tonnes, an increase of 5.7 percent compared to a year ago. Gasoline and diesel consumption rose 7.5 percent and 5 percent respectively, driven by economic growth and higher car sales.

Oil stocks were down significantly, falling to 11.48 million tonnes at the end of September.

China's domestic natural gas production was 23.9 billion cubic metres, up 6.9 percent in the third quarter. Natural gas consumption remained high in the third quarter at 30.6 billion cubic metres, up 20.8 percent.