**Longer Routes Tighten Supertanker Supply**

A US Gulf-China supertanker voyage was assessed above **$35 million** on **11 September**. Longer routes and ship-to-ship transfers keep vessels occupied, reducing availability for the next cargo.

China’s August crude imports were **23.4% lower** year on year, while refined-fuel exports were about **13% higher**. Kpler estimated onshore crude stocks fell by **550,000 barrels a day**.

Stocks can defer purchases but do not guarantee cheap delivery when China replenishes them. Imports could rise while tankers remain tied up, increasing shipping demand without an empty-tank emergency.

Watch **September arrivals and inventories together**. Higher imports alone cannot show whether China is rebuilding stocks or processing more oil.

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