September 6, 2007 -- Total, the world's fourth-largest oil and gas company, has completed its purchase of over 20 private gas stations in Liaoning Province, China, reported Sina Finance. It is in process of purchasing another three private oil wholesale enterprises.

Such purchases are mainly caused by a shortage of finished oil supply in north China, reported Sina Finance. In June this year, more than 80 private gas stations were up to sale due to a lack of stable oil sources. Foreign gas giants as Shell, BP and Mobil were all originally involved the sale. However, such purchase negotiations failed due to a national policy change on private gas companies this August.