The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) predicted on Monday that its natural gas supply for homes will increase 13 percent during the upcoming winter and spring seasons.

A company spokesman said the CNPC, the parent company of the nation's top oil and gas producer - PetroChina, expects its gas supplies during the two seasons to total 57 billion cubic meters.

The company forecasted the hike amid robust natural gas demand as some Chinese cities have started using natural gas instead of coal for winter heating in order to reduce pollution.

In Beijing, the natural gas supply by CNPC during winter and spring is expected to grow 3 percent to 7.41 billion cubic meters, according to the spokesman.

China has been under growing pressure to address the causes of air pollution after heavy smog smothered large swathes of the country early this year.

In a government plan unveiled in September, China vowed to take a multi-pronged approach to tackle air pollution by cutting coal use, shutting down polluters and promoting cleaner production. Under the plan, the country will boost supply of natural gas, coal-based substitute natural gas and coalbed methane.