China's August oil imports from Russia surge while Middle East supplies tumble

China's August crude oil intake from Russia climbed to 11.2 million metric tons, equivalent to 2.64 million barrels per day, marking a 41% rise over the same month last year and a 23% jump from July. The volume from Malaysia, the main transshipment point for sanctioned Iranian oil, fell 45% year-on-year but grew 74% compared with the previous month. Indonesia's shipments rose 16% year-on-year, matching July levels after a negligible total in 2024.

By contrast, imports from Iraq and Oman slumped 75% and 71% respectively, and Saudi Arabian supplies dropped 47% year-on-year. The United Arab Emirates saw a 4% year-on-year decline but a 20% increase from July, while no crude arrived from the United States, Venezuela or Iran in August.