In August, China imported a record $8.3 billion of Russian products, according to customs data.

Chinese buyers have bought a record amount of Russian energy in the last six months. The customs data shows that August's fuel spend was more than double what it was a year ago.

China has become an energy export partner for Russia as Western allies shun Putin's regime.

The European Union agreed to a partial oil embargo in May that will take effect in December. The US wants countries to support its proposal for a price cap on Russian oil.

Russia has slashed its exports to Europe in response to the closing of theNord Stream 1 natural gas line to Germany. They hit their winter gas storage targets early in August.

China has taken advantage of the disruption by loading up on Russian fuel. The price of Russian Urals oil is just under $72 a barrel, while the price of the other two crudes are over 80.

China's spending figures will be inflated because of the spike in energy prices. China has imported more Russian crude oil, natural gas, and coal since the beginning of the war, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Russia shipped over 8 million tons of oil to China in August, up 15% from July and 22% from a year ago.

China imported a record-breaking 8.5 million tons of coal in the first half of the year.

More than 600,000 tons of natural gas was shipped to China from Russia. The main route for transporting fuel from Russia to China is not included in the volumes.

Europe's energy crisis could be solved with the help of the massive floating gas terminals.