The year-to-date rate of oil imports, however, remains a decline on 2023 and chances are that the full-2024 figure will be lower than the 2023 total as well. This will probably add fuel to trader pessimism about future demand even as China doubles down on stimulus to accelerate its economic growth.
China’s consumption has been a weak spot for the market, and last month’s decline in inflows came as local refiners cut throughput amid weaker margins
The first oil shipment destined for Uganda docked at the port of Mombasa on Wednesday, marking an end of Kenyan oil market companies fuel transit business to the neighbouring country.
Two tankers carrying the maiden consignment of petroleum products directly imported by Uganda will dock at the Mombasa port next week, marking an end to the monopoly long enjoyed by Kenya oil marketers.