Chinese state oil majors have suspended seaborne imports of Russian crude following U.S. sanctions on energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil.
The move marks one of Beijing’s strongest reactions to Western restrictions since the Ukraine conflict began.
According to Reuters, PetroChina, Sinopec, CNOOC, and Zhenhua Oil have halted spot purchases to avoid secondary penalties from Washington.
The U.S. sanctions targeted Moscow’s key oil companies, accusing them of using shadow fleets and deceptive shipping practices to bypass export limits.
As a result, traders reported that Chinese firms stopped chartering vessels carrying Russian crude. This sudden halt has disrupted trade flows between both nations, which previously accounted for nearly 20 percent of Russia’s oil exports.
Furthermore, analysts said China’s decision could deepen Moscow’s financial strain and drive global crude prices higher.
Brent crude rose above $65 per barrel on Friday, reflecting investor concern about supply shortages. Meanwhile, India also cut its Russian oil purchases, intensifying pressure on Russia’s shrinking energy market.
In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized U.S. sanctions, calling them “unilateral actions” that undermine global trade stability.
However, Chinese companies appear unwilling to risk losing access to Western financial systems and shipping insurance.
This development may force Russia to reroute exports through smaller buyers in the Middle East or Africa.
Energy experts believe the suspension signals a significant shift in the geopolitical oil landscape. It highlights the growing influence of U.S. sanctions on international trade and the vulnerability of Russia’s energy lifelines.
