China’s largest refiner boosts shale oil production amid efforts to enhance energy security and reduce crude import reliance.
Sinopec’s Jiyang shale oil base in Shandong province has produced over 2 million tons of oil, marking a significant increase in domestic output. The ramp-up supports China’s push for greater energy self-sufficiency as the world’s top crude importer seeks to stabilize supply chains.
Output at the 7,300-square-kilometer Jiyang base rose 15% in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. The increase aligns with Beijing’s broader strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce exposure to global oil price volatility.
The move comes as China continues to expand its shale and unconventional oil reserves, though challenges remain in scaling production to match conventional crude imports.