Asia’s Crude Oil Imports Rebound Driven by Arabian Gulf Shipments

Asian markets are scheduled to import 23.96 million barrels of crude oil per day in September 2026, driven by rising shipments from energy producers across the Arabian Gulf, according to the UAE-China Chamber of Commerce (UECN).

China, the world's largest crude oil importer, expanded its foreign oil purchases to 8.93 million barrels per day in August 2026. This represents a 6.2 percent increase compared to the previous month.

Data from maritime intelligence provider Kpler indicates continuous stabilization along the maritime supply routes linking Gulf oil ports to Chinese refinery hubs. Chinese state energy firms are continuing coordination with Gulf national oil companies to secure long-term contract supplies.

Despite the recent uptick, total Asian import volumes remain approximately 13 percent lower than baseline capacities recorded before recent regional geopolitical disruptions.