12:29 - 10.04.2026

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April 10, Fineko/abc.az. China has allowed state-owned oil companies to use commercial oil reserves amid tensions in the Middle East. The measure is aimed at preventing shortages and supporting the domestic fuel market.

ABC.AZ informs that it is estimated that up to 1 million b/d may be used in April or June. With imports of nearly 11 million b/d, this decision will have impact on the global market.

Speech is about commercial, not strategic reserves: the latter (close to 413 million barrels) have not yet been used. China's total reserves are estimated at 1.4 billion barrels. At the same time, the IEA countries have already released 400 million barrels to stabilize the global market.