PetroChina controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
2025
Former CNPC chairman Wang Yilin sentenced to 13 years in first instance in bribery case
On May 13, 2025, the Ordos Intermediate People's Court sentenced Wang Yilin, former chairman of CNPC, to 13 years in prison and a fine of 3 million yuan at first instance. The court found that he accepted more than 35.01 million yuan in bribes, with related conduct involving his service at Xinjiang Oilfield, CNPC, and CNOOC.
2022
Fuel-oil trading irregularities
Chinese authorities punished PetroChina Fuel Oil Co. for alleged inconsistencies in oil trading that they said disrupted market order and contributed to tax losses.
2021
Ling Xiao disciplinary investigation
China’s disciplinary authorities announced an investigation into former PetroChina vice president Ling Xiao for alleged serious disciplinary violations.
2014
Lanzhou pollution incidents
Lanzhou Petrochemical faced criticism involving ethylene and ammonia leaks, benzene contamination concerns and air pollution.
2011
Allegations concerning Burma operations
EarthRights International accused PetroChina of complicity in serious human-rights abuses connected with energy activity in Burma.
2005
Songhua River benzene spill
An explosion at a PetroChina chemical plant in Jilin released benzene into the Songhua River. Water service in Harbin was interrupted, downstream areas were affected and the incident generated cross-border concern in Russia.