China’s domestic jet fuel demand back to near pre-coronavirus levels

SINGAPORE (Reuters) – China’s domestic aviation fuel consumption rebounded to near pre-COVID levels in September, thanks to a fast recovery in passenger travel and cargo freight, although demand from international flights remained weak, industry sources said.

Domestic aviation fuel sales amounted to about 2 million tonnes (523,300 barrels per day) last month, the highest since February and slightly below January, said two sources with knowledge of the matter.

Domestic flights account for roughly two-thirds of China’s overall consumption of the aviation fuel. The rebound in jet fuel demand has improved Chinese refiners’ margins and enabled them to process more crude.