Report: Russia again top oil supplier to China in Dec, full-2018

MOSCOW, Jan 25 (PRIME) -- Russia was the largest crude supplier to China in December to outstrip its closest rival Saudi Arabia and become the leader in the entire 2018 for the third consecutive year, Reuters reported on Friday citing China’s General Administration of Customs.

In December, China’s oil imports from Russia grew 40% on the year to 7.04 million tonnes, or 1.658 million barrels per day.

In 2018, the imports rose 19.7% to 71.49 million tonnes, or 1.43 million barrels per day.

“Demand for Russian crude was supported by a rise in throughput by China’s private refiners, who favor Russian grades such as ESPO, while geopolitical uncertainties also forced China to import less from countries such as Iran and Venezuela,” the news agency said.

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