PETROCHINA said yesterday that it would increase its monthly diesel production by 7 percent in June month on month, to ease the current fuel shortages partly caused by the May 12 quake relief work.

Operation of a PetroChina refinery in Nanchong, Sichuan Province, was halted after the deadly earthquake and the busy summer harvest season also contributed to rising domestic fuel demand, said the company. It did not disclose the specific diesel production volume in June, but Tian Jinghui, vice president of the refining and marketing company of PetroChina, said yesterday the country's largest oil producer would continue suspending diesel exports to guarantee domestic supply.