China increased oil imports from Russia in May by 55% year on year and about a quarter compared to April, and the monthly volume of supplies was a record level, Reuters reported, citing data from customs in that country, RIA Novosti reported.

Russian oil imports, including shipments through the East Siberia-Pacific Ocean pipeline and shipments from European and Russian Far East ports, totaled nearly 8.42 million tons in May. That is equivalent to about 1.98 million barrels per day and a quarter more than 1.59 million barrels per day in April.

Saudi Arabia was thus the second-largest supplier, with May volumes up 9% from last May to 7.82 million tons, or 1.84 million bpd.