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🗞️ Driving the news: China's fuel oil imports surged to 2.93 million metric tons in April, marking a 10% year-on-year increase and the highest level since at least 2020
• This rise, driven by higher shipments from Venezuela and Iran, also represented a 48% increase from March

🔭 The context: The spike in imports included both ordinary trade and bonded storage imports, with bonded storage alone reaching 2.21 million tons
• The increase is attributed to the relaxation of sanctions on Venezuela and favorable refining margins for heavier materials

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The significant increase in China's fuel oil imports reflects shifting global energy trade dynamics and highlights the impact of geopolitical factors on energy markets, potentially influencing global oil prices and emissions

⏭️ What's next: China's import volumes may continue to rise if global oil prices strengthen further, and as refiners anticipate higher demand
• This could lead to increased competition for heavy oil supplies globally

💬 One quote: "Higher supplies from Venezuela due to the relaxation of sanctions contributed to the higher volumes," said a Chinese trading executive

📈 One stat: China's imports of fuel oil rose 10% in April from a year earlier to 2.93 million metric tons, data from the General Administration of Customs showed on Monday, the highest level since at least 2020 according to Reuters' records

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