Beijing encounters natural gas supply shortage

BEIJING - Beijing experienced a limited natural gas supply on Friday due to temporary scarcity, according to local authorities.

China National Petroleum Corporation, the country's largest oil and gas supplier, encountered a gas shortage due to growing demand in continued cold weather, according to Beijing Municipal Commission of City Administration and Environment.

An emergency plan was carried out to maintain indoor temperatures at public buildings no higher than 14 degrees Celsius. The affected areas include workplaces, schools, department stores and entertainment venues.

In addition, the plan also suspended gas supply used in production to industrial enterprises and limited gas use of major heating boilers in the city.

Beijing was hit by a 30-year low temperature of minus 16 degrees Celsius last week and the measures aim to ensure gas for domestic use.

It is the second emergency plan following the limitation on natural gas supply last month.