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Chinese state-owned firms restrict imports of Russian April ESPO blend oil, resulting in a discount on the price.

Chinese state-owned firms restrict imports of Russian April ESPO blend oil, resulting in a discount on the price.

Four trade sources reported on Friday that the Far East flagship ESPO blend oil price in Russia fell to its lowest level in 10 months due to a cooling in demand by China, the main consumer of the oil. Prices for April loading have now become a discount at Chinese ports for first time since last June, they said. The sources reported that ESPO blend oil cargoes loaded for the next month were trading at a discount up to $1.50 a barrel against the ICE Brent benchmark, delivered to China. Data shows that this is the lowest level of price since last June.

This was a dramatic drop from a premium over $2 per barrel for ICE Brent delivered on a basis of March-loading. Prices fell as Russian shipments into China rebounded, after more tankers that were not sanctioned entered the market. Some major buyers stayed away from the markets due to their concerns about dealing with sanctioned companies. China's Sinopec and Zhenhua Oil have reportedly stopped purchasing Russian oil with a March-loading.

Sources said that the situation continued through April and into early May.

Some Russian oil exporters who usually offer tenders months in advance, have reportedly held off on selling volumes for May due to low prices.

Two sources confirmed that independent Chinese refiners are still buying ESPO Blend, but they require vessels to be "clean", non-sanctioned, for ESPO blend supplies. The discount could increase up to $1 per barrel if the vessel or producer has sanction traces, according to the sources.

ESPO Blend is a very popular oil grade in China, thanks to its high quality and proximity to ports.

The price decline was also influenced by the expectation of a rise in Russian oil exports during April-May, as well as seasonal maintenance at Russian refineries. Oil companies can export more crude oil because refineries are processing less oil. Reporting by Chen Aizhu and Siyi Liu from Singapore, with staff in Moscow. Editing by Chizu Nomiyama.

(source: Reuters)