RIA Novosti quoted spokesman Mr Igor Dyomin said Russia Transneft oil pipeline monopoly halted oil supplies to China through the Eastern Siberia Pacific Ocean pipeline following a 5.9 magnitude earthquake on Russia far eastern Amur region.

The spokesman said "Oil supplies to China are suspended, inspection of the damaged equipment is required. The energy supply has been damaged by the earthquake."

The pipeline carries 300,000 barrels of oil to China per day.

In January, Russia Transneft and Rosneft oil giant started crude supplies to China through the ESPO pipeline under a USD 22 billion deal but later said that China National Petroleum Corporation had underpaid for the crude supplies and unilaterally cut payments by 7%.

(Sourced from RIA Novosti)