A Sino-American joint exploration of natural gas has started in Chongqing, according to a local government source. The first phase of Luojiazai natural gas exploration site is expected to yield 35 per cent of the total estimated reserve, with 14 wells producing 9m cubic metres of gas daily. The exploration will be carried out in three phases, though further details are not readily available.

The investment is designed to relieve pressure on energy supply in the city.