BEIJING — China's natural gas consumption rose steadily year-on-year in the first three quarters amid efforts to fight air pollution, according to the country's top economic planner.

Apparent consumption of natural gas increased 3.6 percent year-on-year to 230.95 billion cubic meters in the January-September period, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

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

As regions in northern China begin to enter the winter heating season, the natural gas market will see increasing demand. The NDRC will work to ensure stable natural gas production and promote the building of gas networks and storage facilities, said NDRC spokesperson Meng Wei.