China is poised to restart exports of jet fuel, diesel and gasoline, according to a report cited by multiple outlets, as state refiners seek approval from the government to send surplus fuel abroad. The move would mark a notable shift after Beijing imposed restrictions on refined fuel exports earlier this year.
The reported plan comes as domestic fuel stockpiles in China have risen and demand has weakened, prompting major state refiners including Sinopec and CNPC to apply for export permits. Sources cited in the reporting said the applications cover diesel and gasoline, while jet fuel shipments are also part of the expected restart.
China tightened fuel export controls in March, limiting shipments of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel after earlier supply concerns. Some reports noted that jet fuel exports for international flight refuelling and bunkering were not included in the ban, even as broader refined-fuel exports were curtailed.
The latest reporting suggests Beijing may now allow exports to resume in a controlled way, rather than through a full reopening of the market. Reuters also reported earlier this month that China was curtailing, not fully banning, fuel exports, with shipping data showing March exports of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel down sharply from February.
The shift matters because China is one of the world’s largest refined-fuel exporters, and any return of its supply could affect regional fuel markets across Asia. Traders and refiners are closely watching whether Beijing approves the permit requests and how large the restart volumes may be.
For now, the report points to a cautious reopening shaped by inventories, demand conditions and government approval rather than a broad policy reversal. The exact scale and timing of the restart will depend on decisions from Chinese authorities.