China has approved the export of 500,000 metric tons of fuel to several countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Maldives, for the month of May, according to media reports.

The reported export volume marks a near doubling compared to April levels, although it remains significantly below last year’s monthly average.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Reuters reported that approved destinations include the Maldives, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and New Zealand.

Since March, China has imposed tighter restrictions on fuel exports in a bid to safeguard its domestic supply, amid concerns over potential disruptions in global energy routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

These concerns are linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.

According to the report, more than half of the approved export quota has been allocated to Sinopec, the country’s largest refiner. PetroChina has been granted permission to export 150,000 metric tons, while CNOOC has received approval for 40,000 metric tons.

Diesel and jet fuel are expected to account for at least 40 percent of the total export volume.

The move comes as Chinese state-owned energy firms seek to capitalise on rising global oil prices, which have made overseas fuel sales more profitable.

Despite the developments, China’s Ministry of Commerce of China and the National Development and Reform Commission have not issued official statements regarding the reported approvals.

Last year, China exported an average of 1.6 million metric tons of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel per month, significantly higher than the current allocation.