China’s Unipec Halts Diesel Imports as Shortage Eases

China International United Petroleum & Chemical Corp., the nation’s largest oil trader, will halt imports of diesel this month, according to a company official with knowledge of the plans, as a domestic shortage eases.

The trader imported at least 200,000 metric tons of diesel, or more than five cargoes, in November and December, after a shortfall prompted refiners to maximize production and boost purchases from abroad. The diesel, or gasoil, shortage is “gradually easing,” and inventories of the fuel are rising, the nation’s top economic planner said Dec. 21.