Zhang Yuming, Economist with a notheastern branch of China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, denied the report that Liaoning Xinmin discovered one 1.4bln-ton super-largest oilfield, whose deposit could be exploited for one hundred years.

"We carried out a preliminary seismic exploration in Xinmin," said Zhang, who has contacted with the officials in Xinmin unaware of the report.

Located in the centre of the Liaoning province, Xinmin is a developing satellite of the industrial city of Shenyang, which is about 60 kilometres away.

The area is rich in underground water resources, which are replenished by the Liu River that flows through the city.

By Xie Fang