前沿观察 | 全球在途原油量激增，中国为何逆势“囤油”？

Core Insights - The global oil supply is currently experiencing an oversupply, with 1.2 billion barrels of oil in transit, the highest level since 2016, primarily due to increased production from major oil-producing countries [3][4] - Despite the oversupply, China is actively increasing its strategic oil reserves, building 11 new oil storage facilities over the next two years, and importing oil at a rate close to 1 million barrels per day since the beginning of the year [4] Group 1: Oil Market Dynamics - The current situation indicates that most oil at sea is still in a state of searching for buyers rather than being in directed transport after a transaction, reflecting that oil demand is significantly lower than supply levels [3] - The increase in oil in transit does not account for floating storage, which, if included, would show an even higher total, reaching the peak since 2020 [3] Group 2: China's Strategic Moves - China has been absorbing a significant portion of the global oil surplus since the beginning of the year, indicating a strategic approach to oil procurement despite lower domestic demand [4] - The uncertainty in the oil market, particularly regarding production capacity trends, drives China to stockpile oil, as the current low prices are influenced by the slowdown in U.S. shale oil production and the withdrawal of OPEC+ production cuts [4] Group 3: OPEC+ Production Challenges - OPEC+ has been unable to meet its production targets consistently, raising concerns about its ability to respond effectively to sudden increases in demand due to depleted spare capacity [4] - The organization’s previous spare capacity, once seen as a safeguard for supply security, is now being consumed as they resume production after nearly three years of restrictions [4]