Group 1 - The discount for Iranian crude oil sold in China has increased to over $6 per barrel compared to Brent, rising from $5 at the beginning of September and $3 in March [1][2] - U.S. sanctions have impacted imports at major oil terminals in Shandong, affecting independent refiners that rely on Iranian crude [2][3] - Sanctions have led to reduced shipments to sanctioned ports, as the U.S. targets Chinese oil terminals and independent refiners [3] Group 2 - High stock levels at import hubs and insufficient government import quotas for independent refiners are contributing to the increased discounts for Iranian crude [4] - Onshore commercial crude stocks in Shandong reached a record-high of 293 million barrels as of August 22, which is 20 million barrels higher than early July [4] - China is accumulating crude inventories at a rate of approximately 1 million barrels per day and may continue to stockpile crude through 2026 if oil prices remain stable [5]