Oil demand inChina has almost recovered to pre-pandemic levels, Bloomberg reported.- Consumption has rebounded to about 13 million barrels per day, compared to 13.7 million barrels in December.
- Gasoline and diesel are leading the recovery, while jet-fuel demand remains weak, Bloomberg said.
- China's independent refiners, called "teapots," have boosted their crude processing to 75% of capacity, up from 60% a year ago.
- Track the price of oil live on Markets Insider.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Oil demand in China has almost returned to its level before the
Consumption has rebounded to about 13 million barrels per day, Bloomberg said, citing Chinese energy officials who weren't authorized to speak publicly on the matter. That isn't far off the 13.4 million barrels consumed in May, and the 13.7 million in December.
Gasoline and diesel are leading the recovery as manufacturing gears up and commuters opt to drive rather than use public transport, Bloomberg said. Diesel demand is also benefiting from the Chinese government encouraging farmers to plant more to keep the nation fed.
There are also signs of recovery among China's independent refiners called "teapots," which account for about a quarter of the country's total refining capacity. They are processing crude at 75% of capacity, compared to 60% a year ago, Bloomberg said.
On the other hand, demand for jet fuel remains weak as travel restrictions and transmission fears continue to weigh on the airline industry.
Still, the
The demand rally in China is helping to shore up global oil prices, which tumbled to record lows last month as the coronavirus pandemic hit fuel usage and the bitter oil-price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia resulted in a supply glut.
Indeed, crude prices in the US briefly turned negative due to limited storage, particularly at a key hub in Cushing, Oklahoma.
Oil has rallied strongly since then.