(Yicai Global) April 17 -- China processed 4.6 percent less crude oil at 149.3 million tons in the first quarter from a year earlier as the Covid-19 pandemic affected energy consumption, according to official data.

In March, the tally was down 6.6 percent to 50 million tons from a year ago, data released by the National Bureau of Statistics today show.

China produced 2.4 percent more crude at 48.57 million tons over the quarter. In March, output was down 0.1 percent at 16.6 million tons.

The country imported 127.2 million tons of crude oil in the first quarter, up 5 percent, the nation's customs said in a statement earlier this week.

Editor: Emmi Laine