SHANGHAI — China's natural gas consumption rebounded to two-digit growth in the first half of 2017 after signs of slowing over the past two years.

China's apparent consumption of natural gas came to 114.6 billion cubic meters in the first half year of 2017, rising 15.2 percent year-on-year, according to figures released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner.

Analysts said the growth rally was attributed to China's steady economic growth this year and improved energy consumption structure as well as better social awareness of environmental protection.

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

Natural gas consumption will be brought up to around 10 percent of the country's energy mix by 2020 and 15 percent by 2030, according to NDRC.

In 2015, China's natural gas consumption was 191 billion cubic meters, rising only 5.7 percent on year - a 10-year low. Last year saw a 6.6 percent year-on-year growth in the gas consumption.