Research on Evolution of Spatial Pattern of Crude Oil Trade

Abstract

In these years, diversification of import channels has been a important strategy to get the security of petroleum import. However, diversification premises a thorough analysis and understanding of the importing strategy of other countries in advance. Ignorance of other crude oil importing countries’ strategic decisions and their interactions and integrations will inevitably lead to the failure of the diversification strategy.

This paper analyses the world’s network of crude oil import and shows the evolving of the structure. Analysis of a regional comparison is also carried out to highlight the difference between the states and the homogeneity of world crude oil trade networks. Finally, the spatial structure of world crude oil trade has been simulated. In conclusion, diversification does necessarily not mean homogeneity. The resource reserve in each region varies and the economic and political relationships among regions are also diverse, which determine that diversification of import channels depends on the objective situation and relationship with our partners.