China's crude oil imports fell 20% in April 2026 to 38.5 million metric tons, the lowest since mid-2022, as the Iran conflict closes the Strait of Hormuz.

China's crude oil imports fell 20% in April 2026 to 38.5 million metric tons, the lowest since mid-2022, as the Iran conflict closes the Strait of Hormuz.

Kpler says weaker demand by China has freed up Russian, African & US crude for Asian buyers, helping refiners in India & elsewhere cushion the impact of Hormuz disruptions.

Since the start of the Iran war, China has sharply cut the amount of oil it imports.