In the early 1990s, China transitioned from a net exporter of petroleum to a net importer. This shift had far-reaching, system‑wide implications for the development of China’s oil industry, making the exploitation and development of overseas oil and gas resources an inevitable necessity. In fact, as early as the late 1980s, Tong Xiaoguang, a leading expert in petroleum geology and exploration and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, foresaw the changing landscape and advocated that the oil and gas sector must “go global,” arguing that “China will ultimately still need the world’s energy.” What challenges and hardships did the oil industry encounter as it ventured beyond China’s borders, and what achievements and honors has it attained?

On February 22, according to the China Petrochemical Corporation’s press office, on the 21st, the flagship unit of the 1-million-ton-per-year ethylene project—the ethylene plant—successfully commenced feedstock introduction and startup, completing the entire process flow and achieving a first‑time, full‑process commissioning with qualified product output. The project’s commissioning marks a “zero‑to‑one” breakthrough in the ethylene industry; once operational, it is expected to stimulate downstream industries worth over RMB 100 billion, thereby providing strong support for the development of the free trade port.

On January 3, the first working day of 2023, the year’s first fuel price hike is expected to take effect at midnight: gasoline prices are forecast to rise by 250 yuan per ton, while diesel prices are expected to increase by 240 yuan per ton.

According to information obtained by the Zhitong Finance app, the National Development and Reform Commission announced on February 17 that, since the domestic refined oil price adjustment on February 3, 2023, international oil prices have remained volatile. Based on the current domestic refined oil pricing mechanism, the average price over the first 10 working days of February 17 was less than RMB 50 per ton higher or lower than the average for the preceding 10 working days. In accordance with Article 7 of the Measures for the Administration of Oil Prices, no adjustment will be made to gasoline and diesel prices this time; the unadjusted amount will be carried forward and either added to or offset against the next price adjustment.

On February 24, according to the China National Petroleum Corporation News Center, at around 1:00 p.m. on February 22, a large-scale collapse occurred at the open-pit coal mine operated by Xinjing Coal Industry Co., Ltd. in Alashan Left Banner, Alashan League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. CNPC’s enterprises in Inner Mongolia responded swiftly and launched emergency operations, working tirelessly to ensure the supply of fuel for rescue efforts and essential emergency supplies. As of press time, the Inner Mongolia Sales Company had deployed 15 employees to provide round-the-clock shifts, delivering a total of 110 tons of petroleum products and nearly 5 tons of daily necessities such as instant noodles and drinking water. Meanwhile, the transportation company dispatched emergency refueling vehicles, supplying 82 tons of fuel to armed police, emergency response teams, medical personnel, and other rescue forces, and kept one vehicle loaded with 33 tons of diesel on standby at all times, fully supporting the government’s coordinated and effective disaster relief and rescue operations.

Frontline oil workers press forward into the sandy deserts, fueling the nation: “Going to the front lines” means spending little time with their families; during pipeline inspections, they huddle together to brave sandstorms; and in winter, they carry out patrols in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. These scenes reveal how the unsung heroes at the first station of the West-to-East Gas Pipeline, part of China National Petroleum Corporation’s Tarim Oilfield, have taken root in the desert, working tirelessly and selflessly. Year after year, they stand guard on the Gobi, ensuring a steady supply of natural gas to millions of households.