# China’s crude imports are rising again. What could that mean for oil prices?

https://mins.news/en/item/64298

- South China Morning Post, 2026-09-18 13:30 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3368047/chinas-crude-imports-are-rising-again-what-will-mean-oil-prices?utm_source=rss_feed

> China is showing early signs of increasing crude imports after months of subdued buying during the US-Israel war on Iran, potentially weakening a buffer that has limited the rise in global oil prices. Analysts do not expect a rapid return to pre-war levels, as high crude prices could squeeze refinery margins and existing stockpiles remain sufficient for several months.

## Stories

- [Global Markets AI Anxiety and Oil Shock](https://mins.news/en/topic/global-markets-and-ai-oil-shock) — Markdown: https://mins.news/en/topic/global-markets-and-ai-oil-shock.md

## Related coverage

- [Middle East conflicts push China’s domestic crude prices to a record high](https://mins.news/en/video/63839) — Al Jazeera English, 2026-09-18
- [China faces oil challenge as prices soar and supply options narrow](https://mins.news/en/item/62823) — Al Jazeera, 2026-09-17
- [Chinese oil prices hit record highs after attacks on Saudi pipeline](https://mins.news/en/item/61040) — Financial Times, 2026-09-16