China to boost refining capacity by a third to handle booming energy demand

China, whose booming economy is expected to see record demand for oil this year, plans to expand its refining capacity by more than a third within the next five years, state media said.

By 2010, the country aims to add 100 million tonnes to its refining capacity, on top of its current nearly 300 million tonnes, the Xinhua news agency said, citing the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Association.