*Japan crude and condensate imports fell for the seventh straight year in 2019. The years when the country was the world’s number two importer are long gone: 2019’s imports of 3.024mn b/d are well behind not only the US and China but also India (MEES, 7 February).
*Saudi Arabia remained top supplier for 2019 but volumes fell 8% to 1.068mn b/d as the UAE (up 16% at 902,000 b/d) challenged for top supplier spot (see chart 1). Indeed, for several months last year the UAE was ahead of Saudi, with Murban usurping Arab Light and Arab Extra Light as the top grade (MEES, 4 October). (CONTINUED - 252 WORDS)
