China landed record-high volumes of Saudi crude in April as the world’s biggest oil importer increased its dependence on the Middle East, even though its overall crude imports have plunged this year. The spike in Saudi imports was probably attributable in part to official Saudi selling prices that were well …
Read More »Oil Prices Extend Gains on China Demand Optimism
Oil prices extended gains on Wednesday on hopes of demand recovery in China as the country gradually eases some of its strict COVID-19 containment measures. Brent crude futures were up 48 cents, or 0.4%, at $112.41 a barrel at 0410 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed …
Read More »Iraq Concerned about Greater Chinese Control of Its Oil Fields
Iraq’s oil ministry thwarted three prospective deals last year that would have handed Chinese firms more control over its oil fields and led to an exodus of international oil majors that Baghdad wants to invest in its creaking economy. Since the start of 2021, plans by Russia’s Lukoil and U.S. …
Read More »China Warns NATO not to Interfere in Asia
China increasingly sees the war in Ukraine — and the roles of the United States and its NATO allies in backing Kyiv against Moscow — as a reflection of future tensions to come between the military bloc and Beijing in the Indo-Pacific. Ever since Russian tanks first crossed into Ukraine …
Read More »China to Inject $1.5 Billion to Help State Coal-Fired Power Firms
China has pledged to inject 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) into its coal-fired power firms to provide financial relief and support their efforts to guarantee power supplies, state media said late on Wednesday, citing a cabinet meeting. The new funding was part of a wider package of policies announced by …
Read More »China is Spoilt for Choice of Oil as many Avoid Russian Barrels
Chinese oil buyers are spoilt for choice right now even as lockdowns hurt demand as they can opt for everything from discounted Russian crude and sanctioned Iranian oil to regularly-taken Middle Eastern barrels. While a wave of sweeping anti-virus curbs has put a dent in current consumption, China has an …
Read More »China’s LNG Buyers See Virus Curbs Cutting Demand through Summer
Liquefied natural gas buyers in Northern China are concerned virus-linked curbs on travel and industry will persist through summer, further limiting demand. Respondents to a government survey expect LNG imports in Northern China, which accounts for about a third of the nation’s deliveries, to drop by at least 20% for …
Read More »China’s Changing Climate Action Roadmap
The energy price surge and crunch in late 2021 and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine have renewed global momentum for replanning energy transition roadmaps. While some suggest accelerating clean energy transitions to cope with surging energy prices, others are taking the opposite approach. For example, Germany, a pioneer in the …
Read More »China, India Eye Russian Oil, Move to Jettison Nigeria
Nigeria may lose its largest crude oil buyers, China and India, as both countries plan to negotiate Russian oil at discount prices. India is said to be asking Russia for below $70 per barrel discount price. The duo’s move comes as Europe considers banning Russian oil due to the country’s …
Read More »OPEC+ Eye Modest Supply Boost as Demand Dented by China Covid Rules
OPEC+ members meeting on Thursday are expected to agree a marginal increase in oil production, bolstered by risks to demand amid coronavirus restrictions in China. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also added to supply concerns, which have increased with Europe’s announced moves on a potential Russian oil embargo. Prices soared …
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