China's state reserve bureau says it's working on crude oil release

Beijing also said earlier this month it would tap its state fuel reserves to tame the soaring diesel and gasoline prices.

China's state reserve bureau said on Wednesday it is working on a release of crude oil reserves although it declined to comment on a U.S. request to the world's top consuming nations to tap stockpiles to ease global energy prices.

The National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration told Reuters when asked to comment on the U.S. request that it would disclose the details of the move on its website.

"We are carrying out the work of releasing crude oil reserves. And for any details related to the releasing, we will put out a statement on our website," a reserve bureau spokeswoman said.

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