China’s NOCs ride wave of rising demand
From E&P to refining, the state-owned companies are well-positioned for growth and bumper profits
China’s three NOCs—Petrochina, Sinopec and Cnooc—will be looking to sustain last year’s momentum in 2023 by capitalising on an expected uptick in oil and gas demand driven by the reopening of the Chinese economy. This year looks likely to see a return to business as usual in China, as the central government looks to put an unprecedented period behind it. Beijing’s abrupt decision to abandon President Xi Jinping's signature zero-Covid strategy—which prompted mass protests in November—was welcomed across the economy, not least in the energy sector, which contended with weakened oil and gas demand last year. China is poised to account for half of global oil demand growth in 2023, according to t
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic






