China has purchased millions of barrels of Saudi crude through a rare tender and long-term contracts, though overall imports remain well below pre-war levels. State-run refiners Petro China Co. and Sinochem Group, along with Unipec — the trading arm of Sinopec Group — and private processor Rongsheng Petrochemical Co., acquired a combined 10 million barrels of Arab Medium and Heavy grades in the tender, according to traders familiar with the matter. The oil is scheduled for prompt loading. Despite this purchase, China's overall crude imports from Saudi Arabia continue to lag significantly behind volumes seen before the recent geopolitical disruptions. The tender represents a cautious step toward normalizing energy trade relations, but market participants remain watchful over future purchasing patterns and supply chain stability.

This development signals that while Chinese refiners are gradually returning to the market, they are doing so selectively and in smaller volumes compared to historical benchmarks. Analysts note that the muted import levels reflect ongoing uncertainty in global oil markets and shipping logistics.

The tender also highlights the strategic importance of maintaining diversified energy partnerships, even as demand recovery remains tentative across key Asian markets.