BEIJING - Seven of China's major coal-producing groups have called on the sector to boost supply and keep prices within a reasonable range, as increasing domestic demand fuels rising pressure in the spot market.

In a joint initiative by the national coal association as well as the coal transportation and distribution association, the seven energy suppliers stressed the need to ink medium and long-term contracts at an early date in 2021, which could serve as a prop for price stability.

Significant results in exploration, coal bed extraction

China has made progress in increasing domestic oil and gas production over the past five years, while the country vows to continuously step up construction of storage facilities and accelerate building trunk oil and gas pipelines to further ensure domestic energy security.

Experts urge efforts to increase reserves, diversify imports to improve overall mix

China should further enhance its energy security by increasing exploration and exploitation of upstream resources and by reducing reliance on external sources for energy, domestic industry insiders said.

BEIJING -- China has implemented a strategy of innovation-driven development in its energy sector to address major issues and challenges such as energy resource constraints and climate change, according to a white paper released Monday.