China’s crude oil imports plunge to pandemic-era lows as Iran conflict chokes supply lines
China's crude oil imports have dropped significantly, reaching levels not seen since the pandemic. The ongoing conflict in Iran has disrupted supply lines, particularly through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. As a result, independent refineries in China are struggling to find affordable replacement oil, leading to increased prices and reduced exports.
- ▪China's crude oil imports fell 20% year-on-year in April 2026 to 38.5 million metric tons.
- ▪The conflict in Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for China's oil imports.
- ▪Iranian crude previously accounted for about 12-13% of China's total imports, but the ongoing war has disrupted this supply.
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China’s crude oil imports plunge to pandemic-era lows as Iran conflict chokes supply lines The world's largest oil importer saw April shipments drop 20% year-on-year as the Strait of Hormuz disruption reshapes global energy flows. Share Add us on Google by Editorial Team May. 27, 2026 window.sevioads = window.sevioads || []; var sevioads_preferences = []; sevioads_preferences[0] = {}; sevioads_preferences[0].zone = "01f21ccf-2092-46b1-9ac7-8c44cc782e0f"; sevioads_preferences[0].adType = "native"; sevioads_preferences[0].inventoryId = "c5700508-581b-472c-8fdd-a931cdbfc8e1"; sevioads_preferences[0].accountId = "1e47efc1-ec2d-4fca-a8b9-354e249e5095"; sevioads.push(sevioads_preferences); China’s crude oil imports cratered in April 2026, falling 20% year-on-year to 38.5 million metric tons.
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