Japan’s crude imports fell again to 2.11mn b/d for May, the lowest monthly figure in almost three years. Average 5M 2024 volumes of 2.40mn b/d are down 10% year-on-year, putting 2024 on pace for the lowest annual import figure since the mid-1960s.
Longtime top supplier Saudi Arabia supplied 929,000 b/d for 5M 2024, down 14% year-on-year, with May’s 758,000 b/d a three-year low. This has seen the UAE with 1.06mn b/d for 5M 2024, up 4%, overtake Saudi for top supplier spot. Abu Dhabi’s Murban, with 548,000 b/d for 5M 2024 is top grade ahead of a second Adnoc grade, Das Blend (407,000 b/d), which in turn was fractionally ahead of Saudi Arab Extra Light (406,000 b/d). (CONTINUED - 116 WORDS)