According to World of Petroleum and Bitumen (WPB), China’s crude oil refining activity surged in June 2025, reaching its highest level since September 2023. This rise followed the completion of seasonal maintenance and stronger fuel profit margins across the sector.
Official figures show that refineries processed around 15.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, marking an 8.5% increase compared to the same month the previous year. This also represents a clear recovery from the lower throughput recorded in April and May, when many facilities were offline for scheduled maintenance.
In May, refining volumes had fallen to 13.92 million bpd, the lowest since August 2024? due to planned shutdowns at both state-owned and private plants in advance of the summer driving season. The figure was also down from April’s 14.12 million bpd.
Earlier in the spring, crude oil imports had increased, not necessarily due to stronger demand but rather as a strategic move by Chinese refiners to build up reserves of discounted oil amid uncertainty surrounding future supplies. By June, as facilities returned to operation, imports rose 7.4% year-on-year to 12.14 million bpd, supported by larger deliveries from Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Despite a generally slowing domestic demand for gasoline and diesel, refiners increased processing rates in preparation for a seasonal consumption rise in the third quarter. Higher profit margins, especially for diesel, encouraged producers to maximize output.
Looking ahead, analysts expect China’s import levels and refinery throughput to remain strong through July, driven by peak travel demand and efforts by major refiners to replenish fuel stocks. This sustained activity may serve as a bullish force in a global oil market already facing tighter-than-expected supply conditions during the summer period.
By Bitumenmag
Bitumen, Oil, Petroleum
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