China cuts retail prices of gasoline, diesel

China reduced retail prices of gasoline and diesel on Tuesday to reflect recent changes in international oil prices. Gasoline prices were cut by 170 yuan ($24.09) per metric ton, and diesel prices by 165 yuan per ton, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

Sand mining banned to conserve ecology

Local authorities have intensified efforts to protect the ecology of China's Yellow River. Law enforcement officers from the procuratorate, urban management and water affairs bureau of Chengguan district under Lanzhou, capital of Gansu province, have launched a campaign to crack down on illegal sand mining, safeguarding the ecology of the Yellow River Basin. They have visited river shorelines and transport channels, checking theft of sand and gravel, unauthorized pumping and washing of sand. Illegal sand mining not only damages the structure of river beds, endangers flood control and infrastructure safety, but also harms aquatic ecosystems and pollutes waterways.

Xinhua - China Daily