PetroChina, Asia’s largest oil and gas producer, has reported a record-high third-quarter net profit, reflecting 21% year-on-year (YoY) growth. Increased production and improving domestic fuel demand has offset lower realised oil and gas prices.

In a stock filing on Monday, the company said net profit rose to 46.38bn yuan but revenue fell 4.6% to 802bn yuan.

Between January and September, crude oil output rose 4.3% to 706 million barrels, including 22% growth in overseas production to 122 million barrels. PetroChina did not specify which countries contributed to this growth.

Natural gas production was also up 6.1% to 3.66trn cubic feet.

PetroChina said: “The company seized the opportune timing of recovery in China’s macro economy and rebounds in oil and gas markets.”

The Chinese economy expanded 4.9% YoY in the third quarter despite a high comparative base in the corresponding quarter last year. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics earlier in October, the Chinese economy grew by 5.2% in the first three quarters of 2023. Such growth has fuelled domestic demand for PetroChina’s oil.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Chinese company reported a realised oil price of $75.30 a barrel between January and September, down by 21% from the last year as global oil prices fell following the spike prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

PetroChina is also China’s second-largest refiner after Sinopec. Crude oil processing at the company rose 16.5% in the first nine months to 1.04 billion barrels, acting to meet recovering domestic fuel demand and exploiting a lucrative export business.