Kuwait's crude oil exports to China in October rose 15.2% from a year earlier to 940,000 tons, equivalent to about 222,000 barrels per day (bpd), government data showed. 
Kuwait's exports to China in the first 10 months of this year also grew 17.1% from the same period of 2015 to 328,000 bpd, (KUNA) news agency reported citing the General Administration of Customs. 
China's overall imports of crude oil in October increased 9.2% on the year to 6.81 million bpd. Russia was China's top supplier, with its shipments surging 38.9% to 1.12 million bpd from a year earlier, followed by Saudi Arabia with 940,000 bpd, down 0.03%. Iraq became third, with imports from the country jumping 60.1% to 878,000 bpd. Iran ranked fourth and Angola fifth, respectively. 
Demand from China's local independent refineries, known as "teapot" refiners, has increased since the government began to allow them to import crude oil last year as part of its energy reforms. Qualified local refineries are allowed to import crude oil if they cut backward capacity or install natural gas storage facilities. These private refiners are with relatively small capacities, ranging from 20,000 bpd to 100,000 bpd.