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China could have nearly 300 million barrels of additional “headroom” across its oil storage complex if it chose to maximally stockpile ahead of an expected contingency. Beijing has asked its national oil companies to ramp up purchases of crude designated for strategic stockpiles, raising oil market hopes that the initiative could goose sluggish Chinese As proof, in December 2025 alone, China managed to accumulate a staggering 1.39 million barrels of oil per day. A significant escalation from the 20,000 barrels China consumes some 14 million barrels a day of oil in peacetime. What does seem clear, however, is that China is deliberately stockpiling at speed, part of a much wider national effort BRICS member China is taking undue advantage of lower crude oil prices by stockpiling 1.39 million barrels every day. China hoarded cheap crude oil from Russia as the country was The rate of stockpiling last month, estimated at around 1.39 million barrels per day (bpd), jumped from an estimated crude inventory build-up of about 20,000 bpd in About 1.39 million barrels per day (bpd) were added to inventories in December, up sharply from about 20,000 bpd in November and the highest flows to storage

Is China Stockpiling Oil at an Alarming Rate? The BRICS Connection

Recent reports indicate a significant surge in China\'s oil stockpiling efforts, raising questions about its strategic intentions. Specifically, data suggests that in December 2025, China managed to accumulate a staggering 1.39 million barrels of oil per day. This represents a dramatic escalation compared to previous months.

China\'s Oil Consumption and Stockpiling Strategy

While China consumes some 14 million barrels a day of oil in peacetime, its recent stockpiling activities have drawn attention. The rate of stockpiling, estimated at around 1.39 million barrels per day (bpd) in December, jumped significantly from an estimated crude inventory build-up of about 20,000 bpd in November. This substantial increase begs the question: why the sudden surge?

BRICS Member China and Cheap Russian Crude

Some analysts suggest that BRICS member China is taking undue advantage of lower crude oil prices by stockpiling. Notably, China hoarded cheap crude oil from Russia as the country was navigating international sanctions. This has allowed China to bolster its reserves at a reduced cost.

Strategic Implications and "Headroom"

Experts believe China could have nearly 300 million barrels of additional “headroom” across its oil storage complex if it chose to maximally stockpile ahead of an expected contingency. Beijing has asked its national oil companies to ramp up purchases of crude designated for strategic stockpiles, raising oil market hopes that the initiative could goose sluggish Chinese economic growth. What is clear is that China is deliberately stockpiling at speed, part of a much wider national effort to enhance energy security.

December 2025: 1.39 Million Barrels Per Day Added

The figures are striking. About 1.39 million barrels per day (bpd) were added to inventories in December, up sharply from about 20,000 bpd in November and the highest flows to storage in recent times. This aggressive stockpiling strategy highlights China\'s commitment to securing its energy future, potentially positioning itself strategically in the global oil market.

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