Crude imports rise to 7.77 million b/d, highest since April Coal imports surge as domestic mining slows, prices increase China’s crude oil imports increased to the highest in four months, while coal shipments jumped to the most since December 2014 as domestic production of both fuels declines. The world’s biggest energy user imported 32.85 million metric tons of crude in August, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs on Thursday. That’s about 7.77 million barrels a day, the fastest pace since April. Coal imports jumped to 26.6 million tons. China’s crude output has slipped this year as explorers cut spending to cope with the crash in oil prices. Meanwhile, coal mining has tumbled as the government of President Xi Jinping seeks to cut the nations’ overcapacity and reduce pollution. Crude production has fallen 5.1 percent during the first seven months of the year. Coal mining during […]