# Saudi Aramco oil supply shifts to China

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/saudi-aramco-oil-supply-shifts-to-china
> Updated: 2026-08-26T22:40:51.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Saudi Aramco has implemented large-scale spot tenders to supply crude oil to Chinese refiners, including PetroChina, Sinochem Group, and Sinopec. To mitigate supply chain risks and security concerns stemming from tensions between the United States and Iran, these shipments are increasingly bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

Instead of using the strategic waterway, Aramco is utilizing ship-to-ship transfers near Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates or Sohar in Oman. This shift toward spot purchases allows Chinese refiners to capitalize on price discounts while seeking more secure, diversified supply routes. Some maritime data indicates that tankers have even disabled automatic tracking systems while transiting the Strait of Hormuz to avoid being localized.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Saudi Aramco bypasses Strait of Hormuz to supply oil to China

Saudi Aramco is bypassing the Strait of Hormuz by using ship-to-ship transfers in Oman and the UAE to deliver oil to China amid heightened regional security risks.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-aramco-bypasses-strait-of-hormuz-to-supply-oil-to-china

### 2026-08-20: Saudi Aramco sells millions of barrels of crude to China via spot tenders

Chinese refiners, including PetroChina and Sinochem, have purchased millions of barrels of Saudi crude via rare spot tenders, utilizing loading points outside the Strait of Hormuz to ensure supply security.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-aramco-sells-millions-of-barrels-of-crude-to-china-via-spot-tenders

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Cite as: Saudi Aramco oil supply shifts to China. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/saudi-aramco-oil-supply-shifts-to-china