Shandong Port Group has instituted a ban on U.S.-sanctioned tankers from accessing its ports, primarily affecting independent refiners.
The province accounts for 1.74 million barrels per day of oil imports from Iran, Russia, and Venezuela, making it significant for China's overall oil imports.
This ban could potentially escalate shipping costs for refiners who rely on discounted sanctioned crude, which is integral to their operations.
The U.S. has intensified sanctions, especially targeting Iranian oil, which has prompted Shandong Port's action in response to recent U.S. measures.
Increased reliance on non-sanctioned vessels may lead to higher costs for independent refiners already facing poor margins and demand issues.
For more details, visit the original article at Reuters.