Key facts
- China's fuel exports are projected to rise to 550,000 metric tons in June from an estimated 500,000 tons in May.
- Government restrictions on overseas fuel shipments remain largely in place.
- State energy companies must obtain monthly government approval for each export cargo.
- The curbs were initially imposed after the conflict in the Middle East led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Reduced Chinese fuel exports may not be sufficient to alleviate the fuel crisis in Asia.
China's fuel exports are anticipated to see a modest increase from May to June, with projections indicating approximately 550,000 metric tons will be shipped in June, up from an estimated 500,000 tons in May. These figures emerge as government restrictions on overseas shipments largely persist, aimed at preserving domestic supply during a period of significant global oil disruption.
Following the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Chinese authorities initially implemented a ban on nearly all fuel exports, with exceptions for certain volumes to Southeast Asian countries. Energy companies were directed to halt new export contracts and cancel existing ones as global fuel markets tightened.
Last month, China began to ease these restrictions due to a substantial increase in domestic fuel stockpiles. However, state energy companies are now permitted to export volumes significantly lower than those seen before the conflict. Under the current regulations, China's state oil giants must secure monthly government approval for each cargo they intend to export.
Despite the partial easing of restrictions, fuel shipments in May were reported to be nearly half the volumes recorded prior to the Middle East conflict. This reduction in Chinese gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel exports may not be sufficient to alleviate the ongoing fuel crisis in the rest of Asia, which is experiencing a severe oil supply shock.