BEIJING, Aug 2: China will increase its import quotas for crude oil and oil products for next year by 15 per cent, in line with its agreement with the World Trade Organization, a state newspaper reported on Friday.

Crude oil imports for non-state firms will be capped at 9.52 million tons for 2003, up from this year’s 8.28 million tons, the China Daily newspaper said, quoting the State Economic and Trade Commission.

The amount accounts for over 10 per cent of China’s total oil imports. The import quotas for the coming year for refined oil products— including fuel oil, jet fuel, gasoline and diesel — also will increase by 15 per cent to 25.3 million tons, the newspaper said.—APP