The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) issued an emergency notice on Wednesday, urging adequate supply of refined oil for rural market in upcoming busy farming season.

Ensuring a stable oil supply in rural areas is of crucial importance in boosting grain production and maintaining smooth economic operation and social stability, the MOC said in its notice.

Oil supply tensions loom large in the countryside at the crucial spring ploughing time and the upcoming busy summer farming season.

The government hopes to cool inflation and maintain goods prices, grain in particular, by boosting grain production and stimulating farmers' enthusiasm, said the notice.

To ease people's worries over oil shortages, the MOC orders local commercial departments and oil enterprises to make sure supplies are available in key areas of the country. Refined oil suppliers should give farming a priority, and illegal hoarding and speculation would be discouraged, said the MOC.

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2008)