US sanctions on Iran may tighten oil supply, impact China’s imports

Looming U.S. sanctions on Iran are drawing attention to China’s oil purchasing practices, as reported by Reuters. This development could further tighten global oil supplies, particularly impacting Chinese independent refiners that are significant buyers of Iranian crude. Recently, Chinese imports of Iranian oil have seen a substantial decline, from 1.4 million barrels per day in 2025 to 534,000 barrels per day as of August, according to data from Kpler. This potential disruption in oil supply is taking place against the backdrop of Brent crude prices rallying to around $93 per barrel, influenced by expectations of tighter supply. Key Takeaways Market activity suggests that the possibility of new U.S. sanctions on Iran could lead to tighter oil supplies, impacting global markets. Observations indicate that crude oil prices have been rallying, with Brent crude at approximately $93 per barrel amid supply concerns. Pricing in prediction markets reflects a cautious stance, with the likelihood of crude oil reaching a new all-time high by September 30 currently low at 2.5%. What to Watch Watch for further announcements from U.S. officials regarding the sanctions on Iran, as these could si...