Chinese refiners have suspended refined-product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau until further notice, pushing Brent futures above $100 per barrel. The move comes as Middle East crude exports rebounded to 17.5 million barrels per day following the restart of Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline.
Tanker-tracking data from Kpler indicates that fresh Iranian crude loadings ground to a halt in September amid blockade pressures. In contrast, oil shipments from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other regional producers rebounded sharply, supported by alternative pipelines, ship-to-ship transfers, and naval escorts. Regional crude exports averaged 16.5 million barrels per day in September before surging to 19.5 million barrels per day in the final week.
China's LNG imports are estimated at 5.3 million tons in September 2026, down 8 percent year-on-year amid high spot prices and Middle East war risks. Chinese state buyers are exploring long-term contracts bypassing the Strait of Hormuz while maintaining binding agreements with Qatar.
Chinese state-owned LNG importers are holding discussions to secure alternative supplies that bypass the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz amid shipping disruptions. Kpler data indicates China's September 2026 LNG imports fell 8% year-on-year to 5.3 million tons as spot prices reached $26 per mmBtu. Chinese buyers are not seeking to cancel existing long-term contracts with Qatar, but are capping further transit exposure.
Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.
Membership
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.
