China National to Extend Halt in Diesel Exports; Raise Imports

China National Petroleum Corp., the country's biggest oil producer, said it will extend a halt in diesel exports and increase inward shipments of fuels to ease a shortage in China.

The Beijing-based parent company of PetroChina Co. will cut its chemicals output and boost the production of diesel to meet rising demand during summer and from the reconstruction work after a 7.9-magnitute earthquake in Sichuan province, it said. China National will increase its output of diesel by 7 percent in June compared with May, the company said.