As per reports, as of Thursday (12 March), China has ordered an immediate halt on refined fuel exports in March in order to pre-empt potential domestic fuel shortages amid disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The export restriction reportedly includes shipments of gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel and applies to cargoes that had not yet cleared customs as of Wednesday (11 March). The details are as follows:

• China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has issued an order to halt exports of refined fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, for the remainder of March amid concerns over potential domestic shortages.
• The ban applies to shipments that had not cleared customs as of Wednesday (11 March), effectively preventing pending export cargoes from leaving the country.
• The latest restriction expands on a previous restrictions urging refiners to avoid agreeing to new export contracts and attempt to cancel previously committed shipments.
• Jet fuel intended for aviation bunkering is reportedly not included under the export ban.