China’s crude oil imports rose for a second consecutive month in August, reaching 37.93 million tonnes, or 8.93 million barrels per day, according to customs data. The monthly volume was 6.2% above July but 23.4% below August 2025, and followed a decade-low of about 7.1 million barrels per day in June. Chinese refiners increased purchases of Russian ESPO and Argentine crude while Middle Eastern flows also recovered, and eased fuel-export restrictions encouraged inventory restocking and higher refinery utilization. Refined-product exports rose 29% from July to about 6 million tonnes, exceeding August 2025 levels. A separate market estimate previously put August crude imports at about 7.3 million barrels per day, creating a discrepancy with the customs-based figure that remains unresolved. Alternative grades, including Congo’s Djeno, have strengthened as Asian buyers diversify supply amid Middle East and shipping risks.