Chinese government holds unconventionals key
The only independent oil and gas operator in China stresses the importance of policy and partnership with Beijing
"The government invited us alongside four heavyweights of the time — all now swallowed by mergers or no longer with us, whereas we are still here. We have done quite well in our niche; we started off in that pack, the pack has gone but we remain." So says Randeep Grewal, chief executive of G3 Exploration, operator and developer of eight Chinese coal-bed methane (CBM) licences, of his firm's journey that started with its first licence in 1997. Grewal spoke to Petroleum Economist at the end of February, identifying a number of drivers for G3's longevity, not least patience and luck. But he stresses that the commitment of the Chinese government to unconventional gas resources in general, and CB
Also in this section
14 April 2026
The GECF has warned it may revise its projections for demand this year downwards in light of conflict in the Middle East, although it maintains its forecasts for 2027 and onwards
13 April 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis highlights sharp shift from crude oversupply to market deficit, with Iraq and Kuwait badly affected and key producers Saudi Arabia and the UAE also seeing output sharply lower
13 April 2026
Turkmenistan is moving ahead with a modest expansion of the giant Galkynysh field to sustain gas deliveries abroad, but persistent delays to other key pipeline projects and geopolitical risks continue to constrain its export ambitions
13 April 2026
Expensive electricity has forced out swathes of energy-intensive industry and now threatens the country’s ability to attract future investment in datacentres and the digital economy






