Wedoany.com Report-Dec.27, China has released the first batch of export quotas for refined fuels in 2026, allocating 19 million metric tons for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Three trade sources familiar with the details reported this late on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

In the same allocation, authorities issued 8 million metric tons of export quotas for low-sulfur marine fuel. Both quota volumes remain unchanged from the corresponding first batch issued a year earlier.

China employs a quota system to regulate exports of refined fuels. This approach helps maintain balance between domestic supply and demand in the local market.

State-owned enterprises Sinopec and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) received the largest share. They were granted 13.76 million metric tons for gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel exports, representing more than 70% of the total for these products.

Major private refiner Zhejiang Petrochemical obtained 1.56 million metric tons of export quotas in this initial batch.

Of the 19 million metric tons allocated for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, 6.6 million metric tons were designated for processing trade. This category typically supports aviation fuel bunkering activities.

For the low-sulfur marine fuel quotas, nearly 85% of the 8 million metric tons went to Sinopec and CNPC.

In the first 11 months of 2025, China's exports of refined oil products—including gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, and marine bunker fuel—reached 52.65 million metric tons. This figure reflects a 3.2% decrease compared with the same period in the previous year.

The early release of the 2026 first-batch quotas provides refiners with advance planning visibility. It also indicates a measured approach to export volumes, with future batches expected to adjust based on evolving domestic demand, refinery operations, and market conditions.

This allocation supports stable operations for major producers while ensuring adequate supply availability within the country. The consistent quota levels from the prior year underscore a focus on maintaining equilibrium in the refined fuels sector.

Overall, the decision aligns with ongoing efforts to manage production and exports effectively in response to both internal needs and external market dynamics.