# EXCLUSIVE: Sinopec steps up Russian oil imports to offset Middle East supply cuts, traders and tracker say

https://mins.news/en/item/14755

- Reuters, 2026-08-06 04:40 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/sinopec-steps-up-russian-oil-imports-offset-mideast-supply-cuts-traders-tracker-2026-08-06/?link_source=ta_bluesky_link&taid=6a74102d69018900011c2b55

> China’s state-owned Sinopec is increasing its purchases of Russian oil from the Far East, according to several trade sources and shipping-tracking data. The buying is intended to make up for reduced supplies from the Middle East amid the Iran war. Sinopec is described as the world’s largest refiner. The report frames the increase as a response to disrupted regional supply.