China’s changing pattern of energy consumption—driven by rapid electric vehicle adoption, reduced crude imports and careful management of strategic reserves—is becoming an increasingly important force in how global oil markets respond to geopolitical crises. Imports in May and June fell below eight million barrels a day for the first time since 2016. Rapid growth in electric vehicles is steadily reducing the country’s dependence on crude oil. New energy vehicles accounted for a record 63 per cent of passenger vehicle sales in China in June 2026. Organizations such as the Department of Energy in Washington and the International Energy Agency in Paris have sought his insights on global energy matters.