Beijing tightens gas purchasing rules

To reduce the risk of terrorist attacks, Beijing authorities are requiring bulk purchasers of gasoline to provide identification, acquire permits from a local police station and use only approved containers.

"The measure was taken to prevent lawless people from using gasoline to make trouble and to ensure the safety of life and property of the capital's residents," Beijing authorities said in a notification published on Friday.

The notification said all buyers of gasoline in bulk must present identification and may buy the gasoline they need only at stations designated by police stations that issued the permits.