[national Bureau of Statistics: 19 billion cubic meters of natural gas produced in May increased 7.2 percent over the same period last year] data from the National Bureau of Statistics show that in May, natural gas production was 19 billion cubic meters, an increase of 7.2 percent over the same period last year. The growth rate was 0.2 percentage points faster than that in April, with an average daily output of 610 million cubic meters. Imports of natural gas were 10.64 million tons, up 17.3 percent from the same period last year, and the growth rate was 5.9 percent faster than that in April. From January to May, natural gas production was 97.3 billion cubic meters, an increase of 5.3 per cent over the same period last year. Imports of natural gas were 46.29 million tons, up 3.3% from the same period last year.