Saudi Arabia’s crude shipments to top importer China are set to halve next month
as the Middle East war disrupts flows and pushes prices higher, according to
traders. The world’s largest exporter is expected to send about 20 million
barrels to China in May, down from roughly 40 million barrels in April. Saudi
Aramco declined to comment. The cut follows record-high official selling prices
after the Iran war effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, though Red Sea
exports via Yanbu cannot fully replace disrupted Gulf routes.
