China Posts Record Oil and Gas Production Amid Global Uncertainties

China's domestic oil and gas production reached historic highs in 2025, strengthening the country's energy security as it builds a more resilient energy system amid rising global market uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. The National Energy Administration (NEA) reported that domestic crude oil production rose to a record 216 million metric tons last year, while natural gas output continued its strong growth, increasing by more than 10 billion cubic meters for the ninth consecutive year.

Combined, total oil and gas production equivalent hit a new high of 420 million tons, boosting the nation's self-sufficiency and marking a shift toward high-efficiency and green development. Industry experts described the milestone as the successful conclusion of a seven-year action plan (2019-2025) aimed at expanding domestic exploration, as global competition over resources, transit routes, and market rights creates greater risks for energy imports.

Advancements in exploration and production technology have been central to this self-sufficiency. Lu Ruquan, head of the CNPC Economics and Technology Research Institute, said sustained investments by the country's three major energy firms, China National Petroleum Corp, China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, and China National Offshore Oil Corp, have led to significant discoveries in both traditional and unconventional fields.

The NEA report also highlighted breakthroughs in unconventional resources. In 2025, shale oil output exceeded 8.5 million tons, more than ten times the 2018 level, while unconventional natural gas production rose 7.7 percent year-on-year to over 110 billion cubic meters.