China's Oil Imports Drop to 6.78M Barrels Per Day Amid Crisis

China's crude oil imports are estimated at 6.78 million barrels per day (bpd) for May 2026, the lowest monthly figure in nearly ten years. This represents a decrease from April's imports of 8.5 million bpd and significantly below last year's average of 10.66 million bpd. Refinery rates in China have also dropped by 154,000 bpd from April, averaging 13.5 million bpd. Despite the decline, China is likely to increase imports again to maintain sufficient inventory levels, which may lead to a price correction in the oil markets.