BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The producer price for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in China surged to a 10-month high amid rising demand in the winter heating season.

The price, which measures costs for LNG at the factory gate, stood at 5,247 yuan (about 762 U.S. dollars) per tonne Tuesday, the highest since Feb. 14 this year, data from the Shanghai Petroleum and Natural Gas Exchange showed Wednesday.

That marked a 26 percent rise compared with Dec. 6.

To clear up the air, China has been encouraging the use of natural gas instead of coal for winter heating, boosting demand for clean fuel.

Authorities have been taking measures to ensure sufficient supply, including imports, and increasing domestic production.