China’s state-owned refiners are exploring purchases of Iranian crude after the
US allowed some oil already on tankers to ease Middle East War price pressures.
National Iranian Oil Co. and intermediaries have quietly gauged interest among
Asian refiners. Previously, only smaller Chinese private buyers handled Tehran
crude, while state-owned giants avoided US sanctions risks. The Treasury waiver
expands potential buyers, but challenges remain, including financial
restrictions, compliant shipping, and sanctions uncertainty. Experts say
ambiguity over rules and April 19 deadlines may limit new entrants, keeping
existing buyers dominant.
