Indian refiners expect Russian crude supplies to tighten further through November as Chinese buyers outbid competitors and book cargoes in advance. To replace Russian barrels, Indian refiners are turning to alternatives including UAE Murban crude. Meanwhile, exports from major Middle East producers rebounded in September, supported by increased output from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
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.
Shipping tracking data shows three Iran-linked tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz during the initial day of a US blockade targeting vessels calling at Iranian ports. Because the vessels were not sailing to Iranian docks, they were not covered by the maritime blockade. Among the transiting ships was a Chinese-owned tanker carrying methanol loaded at the UAE's Hamriyah port.
Asian crude oil imports are scheduled to reach 23.96 million barrels per day in September 2026, supported by shipments from Arabian Gulf producers. China increased its imports to 8.93 million barrels per day in August, though total Asian volumes remain 13 percent below pre-tension baselines.
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