URUMQI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Tarim Oilfield branch of PetroChina, China's largest oil and gas producer, said they have provided over 3.34 billion cubic meters of natural gas to southern Xinjiang during the first 11 months in 2019, up 10 percent year on year.

At present, the gas supply from Tarim Oilfield to southern Xinjiang is about 14.5 million cubic meters per day, an increase of 3 million cubic meters per day over the same period last year, which has benefited more than 4 million residents in the Tarim Basin.

Remote cities and counties in southern Xinjiang have long suffered poverty, extreme climate and fragile environment. Residents in this area mainly used firewood and coal as fuel, which was not only costly but also had a negative impact on the local ecology.

To improve the local people's living standards, the natural gas project was launched in 2010 and has been operating since 2013. So far, more than 3,000 km of pipes have been installed, providing natural gas to 42 counties and cities in southern Xinjiang.

After entering the era of natural gas, local residents only need to pay about one yuan (about 14 U.S. cents) for 1 cubic meter of natural gas.

"This not only reduces the living expenses of local residents, but also helps protect the local environment," said Zhang Long, an official of the Tarim Oilfield.