|

China ramps up crude oil stockpiles, as prices collapse

According to the Associated Press, China, the world’s top oil consumer, is ramping up its crude oil stockpiles, taking advantage of the recent collapse in global oil prices.

The ruling Communist Party’s Political and Legal Commission said on its social media account, low oil prices “have a positive impact on China.”

China is reportedly boosting its strategic petroleum reserves (SPR), as well.

The Commission said that the plunge in prices gives Beijing a unique chance to build up that reserve but gave no indication the government was doing that.

“This is a once-a-century opportunity!” it said.

Meanwhile, the China Customs reported that oil Imports rose 4.5% in March over a year earlier even as the economy shut down to fight the virus and demand collapsed. For the first quarter of the year imports were up 5%.

Author

Dhwani Mehta

Dhwani Mehta

FXStreet

Residing in Mumbai (India), Dhwani is a Senior Analyst and Manager of the Asian session at FXStreet. She has over 10 years of experience in analyzing and covering the global financial markets, with specialization in Forex and commodities markets.

More from Dhwani Mehta
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD holds lower ground near 1.3450 on USD rebound

GBP/USD trades in negative territory around 1.3450 in the European trading hours on Friday. Heightened Middle East tensions and rising global oil prices provide some support for the safe-haven US Dollar (USD), weighing on the pair. The US Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index will be published later on Friday. 


EUR/USD holds above 1.1500 after EU inflation data

EUR/USD holds steady above 1.1500 on Friday following a two-day rally that saw the pair gain more than 1%. While the risk-averse market atmosphere supports the US Dollar and caps the pair's upside, the stronger-than-expected HICP inflation figures from the Eurozone helps it keep its footing.

Gold sticks to losses as Iran risks revive USD demand

Gold meets with a fresh supply on Friday as the US Dollar rebounds from a one-and-a-half-month trough. Escalating US-Iran tensions keep inflation risks and Fed rate hike bets in play, supporting the USD. The technical setup seems tilted in favor of bearish traders and backs the case for further losses.


Bitcoin eyes 50-day EMA breakout, Ethereum consolidates, XRP steadies

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple trade near key technical levels on Friday as the broader cryptocurrency market pauses following last week's recovery. BTC is approaching the 50-day Exponential Moving Average while ETH continues to consolidate between two major EMAs.

Indian Rupee hits fresh two-week high against US Dollar

The Indian Rupee extends the week-long rally against the US Dollar on Friday. The USD/INR pair slides to a fresh over two-week low near 95.30 due to the overnight slump in the US Dollar amid growing doubts regarding whether the Federal Reserve is seriously committed to bringing the United States inflation down.

9-3: Is the Federal Reserve’s vote tally Warsh's new forward guidance?
The rate did not move. Neither did the statement, and that’s the more interesting fact. Set the July 29 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement beside the one issued on June 17, and the two documents are identical apart from a single verb and a paragraph at the bottom naming three dissenters.