China strengthens national energy security protection amid Middle East conflict

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun. / ANTARA / Desca Lidya Natalia.

JAKARTA - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun confirmed that China is taking the necessary steps to ensure energy security in his country.

"Energy security is of great importance to the global economy. All parties are responsible for ensuring a stable and uninterrupted energy supply. China will do what is necessary to protect that energy security," Guo said at a press conference, Monday, March 9, reported by ANTARA.

According to the National Development and Reform Commission, China will raise the retail prices of domestic gasoline and diesel starting today, Tuesday, due to rising global prices.

"The domestic price of gasoline and diesel will increase by 695 yuan (about 1.6 million rupiah) and 670 yuan (about 1.6 million rupiah) per ton," according to the statement.

This is the most significant price adjustment for gasoline and diesel fuel in China in 2026.

China's three largest oil companies, namely China National Petroleum Corporation, Sinopec, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation, as well as other oil refineries must regulate the production and transportation of oil products appropriately to ensure stable supply and comply with pricing policies.

The current mechanism for setting the price of Chinese oil products is that if the world oil price changes by more than 50 yuan (about Rp122,173) per ton and remains at that level for 10 working days, then the price of gasoline and diesel fuel in the domestic market will be adjusted proportionally.

On February 28, the US-Israel launched an attack on targets in Iran, causing damage and civilian casualties.

Iran then retaliated by launching attacks on Israeli territory and US military facilities throughout the Middle East region, as a form of self-defense.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has almost stopped following the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz is the main route for oil and gas exports from the Persian Gulf, which accounts for about 20 percent of global trade in oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas.