Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-03-25 22:28Core Viewpoint - China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) reported a significant decline in annual profits, reflecting increasing operational challenges amid a downturn in oil consumption and government policies aimed at reducing fuel production while boosting petrochemical output [3][4]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Sinopec's net profit for 2024 is projected to drop to 49 billion RMB (approximately 6.8 billion USD), down from 58.3 billion RMB the previous year, falling short of analyst expectations of 56.4 billion RMB [3]. - The company's refining business saw operating profits plummet by 67% to 6.71 billion RMB, influenced by a 3% decline in global average oil prices compared to the previous year [3]. - The chemical segment experienced an operating loss that widened by 66% to 10 billion RMB [4]. Group 2: Market Conditions - National oil consumption in China decreased last year, and the International Energy Agency anticipates continued declines in road fuel demand this year due to the rise of electric vehicles [3]. - The real estate sector's contraction has further suppressed the willingness of refining companies to increase production rates [3]. Group 3: Strategic Adjustments - Sinopec plans to reduce its annual budget from 175 billion RMB in 2024 to 164.3 billion RMB this year, while aiming to increase oil equivalent production by 1.3% to 522 million barrels [3]. - The company intends to cut refined oil sales by 2.7% to adapt to weak demand, while also focusing on replacing outdated facilities with new integrated complexes to support future growth in petrochemical product demand, projected to grow at an average rate of 3% annually until 2030 [4]. Group 4: Natural Gas Operations - Sinopec's natural gas production is expected to grow by 4.7% in 2024, significantly outpacing the 0.3% growth in oil production [4]. - The liquefied natural gas (LNG) business achieved record profits last year, despite the imposition of a 15% tariff on U.S. LNG imports due to trade tensions [4][5]. Group 5: Contracts and Partnerships - Sinopec has signed a long-term contract with U.S. supplier Venture Global, with plans to adjust logistics based on U.S. tariff conditions [5].