"China's stockpiling surged in 2025 due to relatively low oil prices tied to softer demand, rising geopolitical risks, and a new domestic energy law requiring more reserves."
"China added an average of 1.1 million barrels a day of crude to its strategic oil inventories in 2025, reaching nearly 1.4 billion barrels in December."
"The war was the stress test that Beijing's energy strategy was designed for, showcasing China's ability to adapt to changing global energy dynamics."
China has emerged as a major beneficiary of the Iran war, leveraging its energy strategy and extensive control over renewable supply chains. In 2025, China increased its strategic oil inventories significantly, driven by low oil prices, geopolitical risks, and new domestic energy laws. The country added an average of 1.1 million barrels of crude daily, reaching nearly 1.4 billion barrels by December. Despite not being an IEA member and missing out on coordinated oil reserve releases, China's stockpiling efforts have positioned it favorably in the global energy landscape.
Read at Axios
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