OREANDA-NEWS. China, one of the world’s largest fuel consumers, cut oil purchases from the largest supplier, Saudi Arabia in March by 1.6 % and increased oil purchases from Russia, the second most important supplier, by 31 %. This is evidenced by calculations of Reuters agency based on the data of the General Administration of Customs of China.

In March, import of crude oil to China grew by 4.5 % in comparison with the same period last year, it amounts to 9.68 million barrels per day. According to the General Administration, shipments from Saudi Arabia totaled 7.21 million tons, or 1.7 million barrels per day. At the same time, Russia supplied 7.02 million tons, or 1.66 million barrels per day.