China's crude oil output hits record high

China's crude oil production has surged to a record high of 4.6 million barrels per day. In the first quarter of 2026, total oil production in the country rose by 1.3% year-on-year, reaching 4.4 million barrels per day. Since 2018, Chinese oil output has increased by a total of 1.0 million barrels per day. This growth in domestic production comes amid a volatile global energy market and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting oil supply routes.