China's exports of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel rose in May compared to April; however, volumes remained far below last year's figures due to restrictions imposed to safeguard domestic supply during the Iran war, reported Reuters.

Customs data indicated that refined oil product exports outside Hong Kong and Macau climbed by 40 percent from April, yet were down 69 percent year-on-year. Notably, export curbs do not cover refueling of international ships and planes or shipments to Hong Kong and Macau, where export levels remained steady.

Gasoline exports hit a decade low in April at just over 23,400 tonnes but saw a slight increase in May to 32,838 tonnes. Myanmar was the only destination apart from Hong Kong and Macau, receiving 8,405 tonnes.

Diesel exports, including biodiesel, more than doubled to 216,196 tonnes in May, marking a 53 percent increase from April. Bangladesh received 62,772 tonnes, Sri Lanka 28,700 tonnes, and Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, collectively imported 77,079 tonnes. Australia was the only non-Asian buyer, importing 20,255 tonnes.

Biodiesel exports rose by 11.5 percent to 43,636 tonnes, with the Netherlands and Belgium serving as major importers. It remains unclear whether restrictions cover biodiesel. Jet fuel exports slumped 61 percent year-on-year to 499,388 tonnes but rose 20 percent from April. Vietnam received more than 97,900 tonnes, while Australia took 79,000 tonnes under an agreed volume.