China ramps up crude oil stockpiles, as prices collapse

Dhwani Mehta FXStreet

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%.

WTI gains 3.7% in Asia, but oversupply conditions persist

Author

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.

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