China National Petroleum Corporation controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
2025
Former CNPC chairman Wang Yilin sentenced to 13 years in first instance in bribery case
On May 13, 2025, the Ordos Intermediate People's Court sentenced Wang Yilin, former chairman of CNPC, to 13 years in prison and a fine of 3 million yuan in the first instance. The court found he accepted bribes of more than 35.01 million yuan, with related acts involving his positions at Xinjiang Oilfield, CNPC, and CNOOC.
2024
Climate-emissions scrutiny
A cited estimate attributed 655 million tonnes of carbon-dioxide emissions to CNPC in 2024, highlighting the environmental significance of its petroleum operations.
2022
Russian operations and Ukraine sponsor-of-war listing
CNPC continued business in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and was listed by Ukraine as an international sponsor of war because of its continued Russian activity and tax contribution.
2018
Malaysia pipeline corruption allegations
Two Malaysia pipeline projects involving China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering were suspended amid corruption allegations. The company denied wrongdoing, and Malaysian authorities later seized approximately US$243.5 million associated with paid-for but unfinished work.
2015
Former chairman Jiang Jiemin sentenced to 16 years in criminal case
On October 12, 2015, Jiang Jiemin, former chairman of CNPC and former director of SASAC, was sentenced to 16 years in prison in the first instance for accepting bribes, holding a huge amount of property with unidentified sources, and abuse of power by personnel of state-owned companies. The court found he accepted bribes of more than 14.03 million yuan. He stated in court that he accepted the judgment and would not appeal.
2012
Bank of Kunlun sanctions
The United States sanctioned CNPC subsidiary Bank of Kunlun because of alleged financial relationships involving Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Quds Force.