China imports US oil for Asian fuel markets amid Hormuz crisis @asiatimesonline asiatimes.com/2026/04/china-… China is moving to resume large-scale purchases of United States liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil, as supply disruptions in the Middle East and tightening fuel markets across Asia force Beijing to recalibrate its energy strategy. In return, China will have sufficient fuel supply to resume gasoline exports to Asian countries, helping it maintain market share and increase political influence in the region amid tightening fuel supplies. On March 11, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) ordered a halt to exports of gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel. The resumption of China's purchases of US crude oil and LNG appears to reflect limited strategic flexibility for Beijing, as disruptions to supplies from Venezuela and the Middle East constrain its options. He adds that China’s decision to resume large-scale energy purchases from the US comes ahead of a planned leaders’ meeting between Beijing and Washington in May, and that the deal helps create a more constructive atmosphere for high-level dialogue.
