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China Raises Crude Purchases From Gulf Exporters Amid Rebounding Asian Demand

Asian crude oil imports are projected to reach 23.96 million barrels per day in September 2026, supported by shipments from Arabian Gulf exporters. China increased purchases to 8.93 million barrels per day in August 2026, marking a 6.2 percent month-on-month rise. Tanker tracking data confirms an ongoing recovery in maritime energy flows connecting Gulf terminals to Chinese refineries.

Asian markets are projected to import 23.96 million barrels per day of crude oil in September 2026, supported by shipments from Arabian Gulf exporters, according to reporting by the UAE-China Chamber of Commerce.

China, the world's largest crude importer, boosted its purchases to 8.93 million barrels per day in August 2026. This volume represents a 6.2 percent month-on-month increase.

Tanker tracking data from Kpler indicates an ongoing recovery in maritime energy flows connecting Gulf terminals to Chinese refineries. Chinese state-owned energy companies continue working closely with Gulf national oil companies to stabilize scheduled term supplies despite maritime bottlenecks.

Sources

The UECN Brief

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