BEIJING — China's natural gas consumption edged up year-on-year in the first quarter (Q1) of 2020 amid efforts to fight air pollution, according to the country's economic planner.

Apparent consumption of natural gas increased 1.6 percent year-on-year to 78.5 billion cubic meters in the January-March period, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

The output of natural gas came in at 47.8 billion cubic meters in the period, an expansion of 7.9 percent from last year.

The import of natural gas rose 1.8 percent year-on-year to 24.66 million metric tons, data from NDRC showed.

China has been promoting efficient, large-scale use of natural gas in sectors including industrial fuel, power generating and transportation.