China imported 29 percent more oil in March this year than it did in March 2009, 21 million tons or 4.98 million barrels a day, Bloomberg has reported, citing the China customs department. Imports in March 2010 also rose 14 percent on February 2010 figures.
China also imported 3.22 million tons of oil products, including gasoline and diesel fuel. The country exported 2.64 million tons of oil products. China is the world's largest energy consumer after the United States and is expected to have a significant influence on oil and gas transport routes in Central Asia in coming years.
