At least two major Chinese refiners opted out of August nominations entirely, while others failed to secure provisional allocations. Saudi crude deliveries to China have plummeted to between 10 million and 20 million barrels monthly since the onset of regional conflict, a significant drop from previous norms.

Saudi Aramco recently implemented its steepest price cuts for Asian markets in two decades, pricing its flagship Arab Light grade at $1.50 per barrel below the Oman/Dubai benchmark. Despite this rare move, the Kingdom struggles to maintain market share against Gulf rivals who offer deeper discounts and logistics routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz. With recent security re-escalations threatening transit from the Ras Tanura terminal, buyers are increasingly favoring suppliers that promise lower freight costs and greater delivery certainty.