The appetite for Russian crude among China’s independent refiners fell to a nine-month low in February due to lower runs amid festive holidays and the Winter Olympics, while shipping risks and price volatility arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may drive down inflows further in March. Not registered? Receive daily email alerts, subscriber notes & personalize your experience. Register Now Russian crude imports by the independent refiners fell 43% month on month to a nine-month low of 1.58 million mt in February from a six-month high of 2.77 million mt in January, latest data by S&P Global Commodity Insights’ showed March 10, pulling down Russia to fourth position among top suppliers of crude to that sector. Adding to the woes were current crude oil prices above $100/b reducing the interest of the Shandong-based refiners in picking up cargoes of even non-Russian origins. “Offers and bids for Russian crudes, as […]