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Saudi crude oil supply to China to fall in December on weak demand

Saudi Arabia's crude oil supply to China is set to fall to about 36.5 million barrels in December, trade sources said on Monday, on weak need from the world's largest importer.

This is a 2nd straight month of decline and the most affordable volume given that July, down from about 37.5 million barrels that Chinese refiners are expected to receive in November and about 46 million barrels in October, trade information collected showed.

China's state majors Sinopec, PetroChina and Sinochem will be lifting less crude in December while Saudi supply to its joint venture Fujian refinery will rebound as the plant is anticipated to complete upkeep and resume operations, they said.

The drop in China's need came as state oil business Saudi Aramco cut the December authorities asking price for all grades of crude it offers to Asia.

Refining throughout China is set to decline further for the last quarter due to sluggish revenue margins and fuel usage in roadway transport.

Saudi Arabia is the No. 2 crude supplier to China after Russia.

Saudi crude exports to China fell 10.8% to 59.52 million metric lots (1.58 million barrels daily) in the first nine months this year from the very same duration a year ago, Chinese customizeds data showed.

Outside of China, two other North Asian refiners will get complete Saudi crude allotment for December, the sources said.

(source: Reuters)