Carrefour is looking to expand in China

The stampede happened at a branch of the French chain Carrefour, in the city of Chongqing, state media said.

The shop was offering large discounts on cooking oil. A crowd that had been waiting hours for the store to open then burst through the doors.

Carrefour entered the Chinese market in 1995 and has since opened more than 100 supermarkets.

Prices soar

Queues at the store reportedly began at 0400 local time (2000 GMT Friday).

State media Xinhua said bargain-hunters were crushed underfoot in a sale to mark the 10th anniversary of the store's opening in the south-western city.

Some of those trying to get in reportedly slipped and were trampled.

At least seven of the injured are in a serious condition, Xinhua said.

An investigation has been launched by local authorities.

Cooking oil prices have soared by more than a third in the past year.

In Chongqing, Carrefour was reportedly offering 20% off rapeseed oil.

Carrefour, which is the world's second-biggest retailer, has been keen to expand in China as it booms and recently opened its 101st hypermarket in the country.