China Oil Production Today | Oil Production Live

Current production

~3.3M bbl/day

barrels per day

World share

~4%

of global output

Proven reserves

~36 billion barrels

barrels

OPEC member

No

About China oil production

The World's Largest Importer Is Also a Significant Producer

China is simultaneously the world's largest oil importer and one of its top producers — a paradox that reflects the enormous scale of Chinese energy demand relative to its domestic production capacity. China produces approximately 3.3 million barrels of crude oil per day from mature onshore fields and expanding offshore operations, yet its refineries process over 14 million barrels per day to fuel the world's largest vehicle fleet and one of the most energy-intensive industrial economies on earth.

China's onshore oil production is dominated by several large mature fields that have been producing for decades — most notably Daqing in Heilongjiang province, which was discovered in 1959 and became a symbol of Chinese industrial ambition under Mao Zedong. Daqing production has been declining for years as the field matures and despite enormous investment in enhanced recovery techniques output continues to fall gradually.

The Shengli field in Shandong province is the second largest onshore producer, also facing natural decline from decades of production. Chinese national oil companies — CNPC, Sinopec, and CNOOC — have invested heavily in offshore development in the South China Sea and Bohai Bay to offset onshore declines, with CNOOC's offshore operations now contributing a growing share of national output.

Chinese NOCs have also pursued an aggressive global acquisition strategy — investing in oil fields across Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Latin America — to secure equity oil production that supplements domestic output and gives China a degree of supply security independent of spot market purchases. Chinese overseas equity oil production is estimated at 1 to 2 million barrels per day.

Quick Facts

China

Production	~3.3 million bbl/day
World share	~4%
Primary regions	Daqing (Heilongjiang), Shengli (Shandong), South China Sea
National oil companies	CNPC, Sinopec, CNOOC
OPEC member	No
Proven reserves	~36 billion barrels
Data source	EIA / NBS estimates

Did you know

Interesting Facts About China Oil

1

China became the world's largest oil importer in 2017, surpassing the United States — importing over 10 million barrels per day to feed its massive refining sector. This shift made China the most important demand driver in global oil markets and gave Chinese consumption patterns outsized influence over international crude prices.

2

The Daqing oil field in northeastern China was once held up by Mao Zedong as a model of socialist industrial achievement — the slogan "In industry, learn from Daqing" was a nationwide campaign — yet after 60 years of production the field now produces less than a quarter of its peak output despite continuous heavy investment.

3

China has built the world's largest strategic petroleum reserve over the past two decades, storing hundreds of millions of barrels of crude oil in giant tank farms across the country as insurance against supply disruptions — a program driven by anxiety about the country's dependence on imported oil traveling through sea lanes it does not control.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much oil does China produce per day?

China produces approximately 3.3 million barrels of crude oil per day from domestic fields, making it one of the top five producers globally. However China consumes over 14 million barrels per day in total, meaning imports of 10 to 11 million barrels per day are required to bridge the gap between domestic production and consumption.

Why does China import so much oil despite being a significant producer?

China's industrial economy, massive vehicle fleet, and petrochemical sector generate energy demand that dwarfs domestic production capacity. China's proven reserves are relatively modest compared to its consumption needs, and its mature onshore fields are in gradual decline. Domestic production satisfies only about 25 percent of Chinese oil demand — the remainder must be imported from the Middle East, Russia, Africa, and the Americas.

Does China produce oil overseas?

Yes significantly. Chinese national oil companies — CNPC, Sinopec, and CNOOC — have invested in oil fields across more than 30 countries including major positions in Iraq, Angola, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and Sudan. This overseas equity production gives China access to crude supplies outside of spot market purchases and is a core element of Chinese energy security strategy. Chinese overseas equity oil production is estimated at 1 to 2 million barrels per day.

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