China’s Oil Stockpiles Become a Shield Against Western Pressure

China used to worry that other countries could interrupt its oil deliveries.

To prepare, it spent years buying and storing large amounts of oil.

After the United States attacked Iran, China used some stored oil and imported much less crude.

This helped keep world oil prices from rising even more and protected China’s economy.

China also exported far less gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.

Its renewable electricity, electric cars and railways gave people alternatives to using as much gasoline.

The country can also use its large coal supplies to make some products normally made from oil.

However, China cannot keep imports low forever because its economy still depends heavily on foreign oil.

Using reserves and limiting exports protects China but also creates economic costs for refineries and industry.