Oil edged higher as data showed Chinese crude imports rose last month. Futures in New York rose around 1.3% toward $40 a barrel. Chinese crude imports climbed 2.1% in September from August, the General Administration of Customs said Tuesday, in a positive sign for global demand. Buying was resilient against expectations for a slowdown and volumes are likely to stay high through to the end of the year, Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. said in a note. Brent trading below its 50-, 100- and 200-day moving averages The data underscore China’s role in the oil market’s recovery as a renewed coronavirus spread impinges on the rebound in consumption elsewhere. The U.K. is tightening restrictions as infections rise , while Italy and the Netherlands are also considering new measures. Demand will fall 8% this year and only return to pre-crisis levels in 2023, the International Energy Agency said. […]