The Yellow River, the water source for millions, has been contaminated by a diesel fuel leak despite efforts to contain the spill in a tributary, forcing authorities along the river to suspend water supplies.

The oil slick reached the Fenglingdu section of the river in Shanxi province, and was flowing at up to 8 km per hour, China National Radio reported yesterday.

People living along the river in Ruicheng, Pinglu, Yuanqu and Fenglingdu towns have been warned of contaminated water.