China is stockpiling record oil volumes, importing over 11 million barrels daily in early 2025 amid geopolitical tensions and U.S. sanctions on Russian oil.

China is importing over 11 million barrels of oil daily and stockpiling up to 1.2 million barrels a day, driven by U.S. sanctions on Russian producers. With reserves at 1.3 billion barrels, about 60% capacity, and most purchases made in yuan, analysts expect aggressive stockpiling to continue into 2026.