Industry briefing

China publishes 2026 oil and gas exploration and development report

· Source organisation: National Energy Administration of China

China’s National Energy Administration has published its 2026 report reviewing domestic and international oil and gas exploration and production developments and outlining priorities for the year ahead.

National report key figures

216 million tonnes
Approximate national crude oil output in 2025
Ninth consecutive year
National natural-gas production increased by more than 10 billion m³
21 July 2026
National Energy Administration publication date

The report states that China’s crude oil output reached approximately 216 million tonnes in 2025, a historical high, while natural-gas production increased by more than 10 billion cubic metres for a ninth consecutive year.

It also reviews exploration and development activity, unconventional and deep-resource development, technology and digitalisation, and closer integration between oil and gas operations and new energy.

The publication provides industry context and an official overview of upstream oil and gas development. Readers should consult the original report for its complete findings, methodology and supporting information.

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