China creates two-tier oil dynamic
There is a bifurcation in the global oil market as China’s stockpiling contrasts with reduced inventories elsewhere
The oil-exporting nations are boosting production. OPEC forecasters see a need for increased output to meet projected consumption and refill inventories. Other analysts seem to agree. The problem, however, is that the global market has split into two parts. Companies in one country, China, are aggressively building inventories on government orders. Firms elsewhere are striving to shed stocks out of a fear that oil-exporting countries cannot or will not maintain market stability. Oil prices will stay at current levels if the Chinese buy enough, and fall otherwise. This raises a huge issue. Chinese buying has held crude prices above $60/bl. Market-watchers should be more concerned than they ar
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
