Apparent consumption of natural gas stood at 63.59 billion cubic meters in the January-February period, edging up 0.1 percent year on year, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.
Meanwhile, a total of 51.05 million tonnes of refined oil was consumed during the same period, down 2.2 percent year on year, the data revealed.
China has been promoting efficient, large-scale use of natural gas in sectors including industrial fuel, gas-fired power and transport.
Demand for natural gas in the country will catch up quickly in 2023, while that for refined oil will gradually recover, according to a report from a research center of China National Petroleum Corporation.