China's fuel demand has unexpectedly dropped significantly, with gasoline and diesel sales falling as consumers shift to electric vehicles and public transport. This behavioral change, driven by higher fuel prices and the property crisis, is leading to reduced crude oil imports and has major implications for global oil markets.

China has reduced oil imports since the start of the Iran war, capping global crude prices.

Beijing has leaned on stockpiles, refinery cuts and export curbs instead of chasing replacement crude, helping cushion global markets from the supply shock.