Briefly

Natural gas use set to rise this year

Natural gas consumption is expected to increase this year amid the country's efforts to step up exploration and development of the energy source, according to an industry report. Consumption of natural gas is estimated to expand by 13 billion cubic meters to 320 billion cubic meters in 2020, according to the report compiled by the National Energy Administration together with two other think tanks.

3 sci-tech innovation IPOs approved

China's securities regulator has approved the initial public offering (IPO) registration of three companies on the science and technology innovation board. Shanghai Taitan Scientific Co Ltd, Frontier Biotechnologies Inc and Shenzhen Consys Science & Technology Co Ltd will be listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange's sci-tech innovation board, commonly known as the STAR Market, according to the China Securities Regulatory Commission. The companies and their underwriters will confirm the IPO dates and publish their prospectuses following discussions with the stock exchange.

Xinhua