Fuel Prices In China: A Costly Affair

how much is fuel in china

As of July 2025, the price of gasoline in China is CNY 7.80 per liter, which is equivalent to USD 1.09 per liter. This is slightly lower than the average world price of gasoline, which stands at USD 1.20 per liter. Gasoline prices in China have fluctuated over time, reaching an all-time high of RMB 10.45 per liter in June 2022 and a record low of RMB 6.50 per liter in June 2020. The prices are regulated by the government, which fixes the prices at certain levels.

Characteristics Values
Current gasoline price CNY 7.80 per liter or USD 1.09 per liter
Average price of gasoline worldwide USD 1.20 per liter
Average price of gasoline in China from 2015-08-17 to 2025-07-28 CNY 7.44 per liter
Minimum price of gasoline in China during the above period CNY 5.91 on 2020-03-23
Maximum price of gasoline in China during the above period CNY 9.73 on 2022-06-27
China Retail Price: Gasoline, Number 98: For Vehicle (Mar 2025) RMB 9.190/l
China Retail Price: Gasoline, Number 98: For Vehicle (Feb 2025) RMB 9.370/l
China Retail Price: Gasoline, Number 98: For Vehicle (Jun 2022) RMB 10.450/l
China Retail Price: Gasoline, Number 98: For Vehicle (Jun 2020) RMB 6.500/l

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Gasoline price in China: CNY 7.80 per litre

As of 28 July 2025, the price of gasoline in China is CNY 7.80 per litre or USD 1.09 per litre. This is just under the average world price of gasoline, which stands at USD 1.20 per litre.

The price of gasoline in China has fluctuated over the past decade. Since 2015, the average price has been CNY 7.44 per litre, with a minimum of CNY 5.91 in March 2020 and a maximum of CNY 9.73 in June 2022.

The price of gasoline in China is regulated by the government, which sets a fixed price for a period of time. This is known as a "long flat line" in pricing terms. The government's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) is responsible for setting these prices, in consultation with petroleum companies and other regulatory agencies.

It is worth noting that the price of gasoline in China varies depending on the grade of gasoline and the region where it is purchased. For example, the price of premium gasoline (Number 98) was RMB 9.190 per litre in March 2025, which was down from RMB 9.370 per litre the previous month.

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USD equivalent: $1.09 per litre

As of 28 July 2025, the price of gasoline in China is CNY 7.80 per litre, which is USD 1.09 per litre. This price is lower than the average world price of gasoline, which stands at USD 1.20 per litre.

The price of gasoline in China has fluctuated over time. Between August 2015 and July 2025, the average price was CNY 7.44 per litre, with a minimum of CNY 5.91 in March 2020 and a maximum of CNY 9.73 in June 2022.

Looking at a specific type of gasoline, Number 98 gasoline for vehicles, the price was 9.190 RMB/l in March 2025, down from 9.370 RMB/l the previous month. The price of this type of gasoline reached an all-time high of 10.450 RMB/l in June 2022 and a record low of 6.500 RMB/l in June 2020.

Overall, the price of gasoline in China, as of 28 July 2025, is USD 1.09 per litre. This price is lower than the world average and has seen fluctuations over the past few years.

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Comparison to world average: lower than $1.20

As of 28 July 2025, the price of gasoline in China is CNY 7.80 per litre, which is equivalent to USD 1.09 per litre. This is lower than the world average of USD 1.20 per litre.

To put this into context, the price of gasoline in China has fluctuated over the past few years. It reached a record high of CNY 9.73 per litre in June 2022 and a record low of CNY 5.91 per litre in March 2020. The average price during this period (August 2015 to July 2025) is CNY 7.44 per litre.

When compared to the world average, China's gasoline prices have been consistently lower. This could be due to a variety of factors, including government policies, local production, and consumption levels.

It is worth noting that the data for China's gasoline prices is obtained from official government sources, regulatory agencies, petroleum companies, and major media sources. The prices are updated regularly, with weekly updates for China specifically.

In conclusion, China's gasoline prices, as of the latest data in July 2025, are lower than the world average of USD 1.20 per litre. This information provides a snapshot of fuel prices in China and how they compare to global averages.

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All-time high: RMB 10.45 in June 2022

Fuel prices in China reached an all-time high in June 2022, with prices soaring to RMB 10.45 per litre. This unprecedented increase had both economic and political implications, impacting consumers and businesses alike.

The surge in fuel prices resulted from a combination of factors, including rising global crude oil prices and increased demand as China's economy rebounded following the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, China's pricing system, in place since 2016, links retail fuel prices to global crude oil benchmarks, which contributed to the record-high levels observed in June.

In the lead up to this record high, China had already been experiencing a series of fuel price hikes throughout 2022. On June 14, the National Development and Reform Commission announced a significant increase in retail prices for gasoline and diesel, effective midnight on Tuesday. This decision pushed prices even higher, with gasoline prices in the Chinese capital reaching a ceiling of 11,615 yuan ($1,724.68) per tonne, a surge of about 3.5%. Similarly, diesel prices witnessed a sharp increase of around 3.7%, peaking at 10,510 yuan per tonne.

These price hikes had tangible consequences for consumers and businesses. Motorists felt the impact at the pump, with higher refuelling costs affecting their budgets. Businesses, particularly those in transportation and logistics, faced increased operational costs, which they may have passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services. The record fuel prices also had a broader economic impact, contributing to inflationary pressures and potentially influencing monetary policy decisions.

The situation also carried political implications, as the Chinese government faced the challenge of balancing economic growth with social stability. Managing the impact of soaring fuel prices on consumers and businesses became a critical aspect of governance, potentially influencing policy decisions and public sentiment towards the government. Overall, the record fuel prices of RMB 10.45 per litre in June 2022 represented a critical juncture with far-reaching consequences for China's economy, society, and political landscape.

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All-time low: RMB 6.50 in June 2020

In June 2020, fuel prices in China hit an all-time low of RMB 6.50 per litre. This price is significantly lower than the average fuel price in China between 2015 and 2025, which stood at CNY 7.44 per litre. The minimum price during this period was CNY 5.91 per litre in March 2020, while the maximum price reached CNY 9.73 per litre in June 2022.

Fuel prices in China have historically been sensitive to fluctuations in international crude oil prices. The average fuel price in 2017 was CNY 6 per litre, while in 2025, prices averaged RMB 9.11 per litre, with a high of RMB 10.45 per litre in June of that year.

The variation in fuel prices can be attributed to various factors, including changes in crude oil prices, government policies, and economic conditions. Additionally, fuel prices in China are tax-inclusive, which means that any changes in taxation policies can also impact the price consumers pay at the pump.

The impact of fuel prices extends beyond the financial burden on consumers. Higher gasoline prices, for example, can lead to a reduction in vehicle kilometres travelled, as well as decreased carbon emissions due to improved fuel efficiency. Conversely, lower fuel prices may contribute to increased road traffic and congestion, impacting the environment and energy security in China.

The Chinese government has implemented policies to address these concerns, including the promotion of new energy vehicles and the adjustment of subsidy standards for alternative fuel sources. These initiatives aim to reduce the country's reliance on imported oil and mitigate the environmental impact of fossil fuel consumption.

Frequently asked questions

Gasoline in China is CNY 7.80 per liter or USD 1.09 per liter as of 28 July 2025.

In March 2025, the retail price of gasoline in China was 9.190 RMB/liter.

From July 2019 to March 2025, the average price of gasoline in China was 9.110 RMB/liter.

In June 2022, the price of gasoline in China reached an all-time high of 10.450 RMB/liter.

In June 2020, the price of gasoline in China was at a record low of 6.500 RMB/liter.

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