Middle East Economic Survey

VOL. LII

No 20

18-May-2009

SUPPLY/DEMAND

Chinas April Crude Imports Increased To 16.17Mn Tons

Chinas crude oil imports for April amounted to 16.17mn tons, or a daily average for the month of 3.93mn b/d. April 2009 crude imports were up by 13.6% over those in April 2008. The countrys current total oil consumption is estimated at around 7.8mn b/d. Chinas recent crude purchases are seen as influencing the increase in the price of crude, helping to push WTI to nearly $60/B...