(Yicai Global) July 16 -- China's natural gas production climbed 10.3 percent annually to 94 billion cubic meters in the first half, according to data the National Bureau of Statistics released today.

The country generated 15.2 billion cubic meters in June, up 11.3 percent, the figures show.

The nation also imported 48.36 million tons (67.4 billion cubic meters) of natural gas in the first six months, up 3.3 percent, China's General Administration of Customs said earlier this month. Last month’s figure rose 10.8 percent to 8.33 million tons.

Editor: Ben Armour