JD - China has instructed its major oil refineries to suspend exports of refined petroleum products, sources said on Thursday, amid growing concerns about potential supply disruptions stemming from escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The move comes as China, a major oil importer, and other key Asian economies heavily rely on the Strait of Hormuz for energy supplies. The critical waterway is facing disruptions.
The Middle East accounts for a significant portion of China’s crude oil imports. Data indicates that the region provided 57% of China's seaborne crude oil imports in 2025.
Officials from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planning body, reportedly met with refinery representatives and verbally requested an immediate, temporary halt to refined product exports.
Refineries were also instructed to cease signing new export contracts and negotiate cancellations of previously agreed-upon shipments, according to the report.
