Published: 2:38pm, 13 Sep, 2017 Updated: 2:55pm, 20 Jul, 2018 China 's attempts to curb emissions from energy plants in Shandong province are putting small and medium - sized oil and gas companies under pressure as refineries struggle to comply with new standards . While random environmental inspections formerly scrutinised large state - owned facilities , the authorities ' targeting of smaller companies has caused many independent refineries to shut since mid - July . Additionally , a number of chemical plants making propylene oxide ( PO ) , PVC and rubber tyres in the region have stopped production , according to industry sources and market analysts . The amount of lost production is not known ; however , China 's imports of PO have risen 40 % since the start of the year .
China 's attempts to curb emissions from energy plants in Shandong province are putting small and medium - sized oil and gas companies under pressure as refineries struggle to comply with new standards . While random environmental inspections formerly scrutinised large state - owned facilities , the authorities ' targeting of smaller companies has caused many independent refineries to shut since mid - July . Additionally , a number of chemical plants making propylene oxide ( PO ) , PVC and rubber tyres in the region have stopped production , according to industry sources and market analysts . The amount of lost production is not known ; however , China 's imports of PO have risen 40 % since the start of the year .