China Cuts Oil Imports 32% Amid Iran Conflict

The Government of China reduced its oil imports by 32% following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran in late February 2026. This shift led to a 1% decrease in the country's carbon dioxide emissions, driven primarily by a 9% overall drop in oil consumption and a 16% reduction in oil used for transport.

To mitigate the supply crisis at the Strait of Hormuz, China drew down strategic oil stockpiles and accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles, buses, trains, and trucks. This electrification displaced an amount of oil equivalent to the total six-month consumption of the United Kingdom. While coal generation increased during the second quarter due to economic incentives and grid adaptation delays, the overall trend shifted toward reduced oil dependence.

Analysts from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and Ember suggest the crisis validated China's energy security strategy. They argue that the ability to absorb the impact of the conflict strengthens the case for further decarbonization of the transport sector to eliminate geopolitical risks associated with oil imports.