Latest official China crude import stats show that Saudi Arabia was again ahead of Russia as top supplier for April. China imported 2.059mn b/d from Saudi Arabia, a figure that was down a touch from March’s 2.096mn b/d but still among the half-dozen highest ever figures. Russia, meanwhile, saw volumes slump by more than 500,000 b/d versus March’s record 2.263mn b/d (MEES, 28 April) to 1.732mn b/d for April. Latest figures from data intelligence firm Kpler indicate imports of around 2mn b/d from each of the top two suppliers for May. Whilst China’s buying of Russian crude has eased, Indian refiners continue to take record volumes (MEES, 12 May).