CNPC has reported losses due to the Sichuan earthquake.

CNPC (China National Petroleum Corporation) is ensuring an ample supply of oil is made available to earthquake-stricken areas – and has regrettably reported the death of five employees and financial losses of RMB 1.78 billion (around £115 million) following the Sichuan earthquake on 12 May 2008.

The international energy company has also reported 44 wounded employees, along with five still missing and five “out of contact”. Damages were sustained to 47 of its oil depots, 165 stations in oil and gas fields, 71 oil and gas pipelines, and one purification plant.

To alleviate the huge demand for oil, all undamaged CNPC service stations have been open around the clock and hundreds of oil tankers have been sent directly to quake-hit areas.

CNPC’s Wenchuan County service station – situated in the epicentre of the Sichuan earthquake – reopened on 18 May to restore power to all counties in the southwestern province, and on 19 May, daily output of natural gas from oil and gas fields in Sichuan was restored to 99% of that before the earthquake.

In addition, CNPC has donated RMB 23m to areas affected by the earthquake, with a further RMB 80m donated by its staff to assist with the reconstruction of 100 primary schools.

The company’s oil and gas production accounts for 57.7% and 78.3% of China’s total output respectively. It has assets and interests in 27 countries, and its products are sold in 69 countries worldwide.