China’s August Refined Fuel Exports Surpass Pre‑Iran War Levels, Jet Fuel Hits Record High

In August, China exported 3.9 million tonnes of refined fuel—more than the 3.7 million‑tonne benchmark set before the Iranian war—while jet fuel shipments climbed to a record 1.4 million tonnes. The surge reflects a rebound in global demand and a slowdown in domestic consumption as the country tightens its own fuel‑production quotas. Analysts say the uptick could support prices in the spot market for the remainder of the year, though they caution that supply constraints in the Middle East may temper gains. China’s export growth also signals a shift in its energy trade balance, as the nation seeks to diversify away from Middle Eastern oil imports and strengthen its position in the global fuel market.