Impact of city gas on mortality in China: National and regional estimates

Abstract Developing the natural gas industry is considered an effective way to reduce pollution and improve human health. To verify whether the expansion of city gas consumption can effectively decrease mortality rate in China, this study assesses the impact of three different types of city gas on mortality by employing panel data from 30 provinces in China during the period of 2001–2018. Furthermore, the regional difference in the influences of gas consumption on mortality rate is analyzed from the perspective of economic development, spatial distribution, and development of the natural gas industry. The empirical results indicate that the expansion of city gas decreases Chinese mortality rate effectively. Analysis of the impact of different types of gas consumption reveals that a 1% increase in coal gas supply results in boosting mortality by 0.008%. Meanwhile, LPG and natural gas are employed to inhibit mortality. Based on the heterogeneity analysis, the impact of city gas supply on mortality has a scale effect. Finally, policy implications are highlighted for the Chinese government with respect to accelerating the development of the natural gas industry and promoting the building of a healthy China.