China Is Buying Oil Again After Months of Living Off Its Stockpiles

AI Summary

China's crude oil imports rose 9.4% month over month in October to 41.94 million tons, the highest level since March. Seaborne imports increased 12% from September, although total imports remained 13.3% below October 2025 levels.

China’s crude oil imports last month hit the highest since March, reaching 41.94 million tons, equal to around 9.88 million barrels daily. The October average was a 9.4% increase on the previous month as well, Reuters reported. Seaborne crude oil imports specifically went up by 12% in October from September, according to data from Kpler. Citing official customs data, the publication also reported that despite the monthly increase and the seven-month high, October’s total in oil imports was still 13.3% below the volume for October 2025.…