Why does diesel matter more than gasoline in China's refined fuel price controls?

Why does diesel matter more than gasoline in China's refined fuel price controls?
China's fuel price mechanism is built to smooth volatility rather than deliver outright consumer relief. When crude tops USD 130/bbl, retail ceilings rise less and refiners receive subsidies; below USD 40/bbl, retail cuts stop and the gap becomes a risk reserve. The real target is the production economy, and that effectively means diesel. Diesel is the cost base for heavy trucks, logistics, construction, agriculture, shipping and backup power, so stable diesel pricing protects producer margins and operating expectations. Gasoline draws the headlines, but diesel carries the macro weight. Russia's past diesel export ban underlined how quickly a single supply decision can ripple through industrial costs worldwide.