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0Erinome:Hello dear friends! Welcome to our daily chat. I'm Erinome, and sitting next to me is Enceladus. Today, let's talk about something that might make drivers a little sad—oil prices. Have you seen the news recently, Enceladus?
Enceladus:Oh no, what’s wrong? I just filled my car last week. Did the price go up again?
Erinome:Yes! The National Development and Reform Commission said that from 24:00 on February 24th, China's oil prices will increase. It’s the third rise this year—can you believe it? A "three-in-a-row" increase!
Enceladus:Wow, three times already? That’s not good. How much will it go up exactly?
Erinome:Let me check. For gasoline, it’s 175 yuan per ton, and diesel is 170 yuan per ton. Translated to per liter, 92# gasoline goes up 0.14 yuan, 95# 0.15 yuan, and 0# diesel 0.14 yuan.
Enceladus:Um, 0.14 yuan per liter… So if I have a 50-liter tank, how much more will I pay?
Erinome:Let me calculate. 50 liters times 0.14 yuan… That’s 7 yuan more. Oh, so filling a full tank will cost 7 yuan extra now.
Enceladus:Sad! I drive to work every day. That 7 yuan adds up over time, you know?
Erinome:Totally! Especially for people who drive a lot, like taxi drivers or delivery drivers. Their costs will go up more.
Enceladus:Why is the price rising again? Is it because of international oil prices?
Erinome:Yes! The news said international oil prices went up and down but overall higher in this adjustment period (from Feb 3rd to Feb 23rd).
Enceladus:What caused the international prices to rise?
Erinome:Hmm, geopolitical issues, maybe? Like tensions in the Middle East got worse, making the market nervous. Also, talks between Russia and Ukraine aren’t going well, which adds uncertainty.
Enceladus:Oh right, I heard about that. Any other reasons?
Erinome:Yes! Winter storms in the US made their oil production go down, and their oil storage is lower than expected. That pushed prices up too.
Enceladus:Wow, so many factors. Did the price reach a high point?
Erinome:Brent crude oil even hit $72 per barrel, which is the highest since July 2025!
Enceladus:That’s a big number. Will the price keep rising next time?
Erinome:Analysts say maybe. One expert, Xu Peng, thinks the next adjustment might also go up. The first day of the new cycle shows a 3.4% change, which could mean 180 yuan per ton more.
Enceladus:Oh no, not again! But wait, is there any good news? Maybe demand is low, so prices might drop?
Erinome:Well, after the Spring Festival, gasoline use is lower. People aren’t traveling as much. And diesel demand isn’t up yet because many industries haven’t started fully. So maybe the market will be a bit weak in the short term.
Enceladus:But the overall trend is up?
Erinome:It seems like it. The International Energy Agency even lowered the 2026 oil demand growth forecast, but supply is still more than needed. But geopolitics is the main reason now.
Enceladus:So what should drivers do? Fill up before 24:00 tonight?
Erinome:Haha, maybe! If you need gas, better go now to save that 7 yuan. But don’t panic too much—it’s a small increase each time, but over time, it adds up.
Enceladus:True. My friend drives a taxi; he’ll definitely feel this. He told me he fills up twice a week. That’s 14 yuan more per week!
Erinome:Ouch, that’s 56 yuan more per month. Not a small amount.
Enceladus:Do you think the government will do something to control it?
Erinome:The price is linked to international oil prices, so it depends on the global market. But maybe they’ll watch and adjust if needed.
Enceladus:Well, I guess we just have to accept it. At least we know now, right? Better plan our driving. Maybe take the bus sometimes?
Erinome:Good idea! Or carpool with friends. Save money and help the environment.
Enceladus:Yeah. So to sum up: oil prices go up tonight, third time this year, 0.14 yuan per liter for 92#, 7 yuan more for a 50L tank. International issues and US production are the main reasons. Maybe next time will go up too.
Erinome:Exactly! That’s all the key points. Hope everyone can plan their加油 (jiayou—refueling) wisely.
Enceladus:Okay, that’s it for today. Thanks for listening, everyone. Let's talk again next time! Bye!
Erinome:Bye bye! Drive safe and save gas!
