MOSCOW, June 20 (TASS) - Exports of Russian oil to China in May increased by 55% year-on-year, surpassing supplies from Saudi Arabia and making Russia the largest supplier of oil to the country, Reuters reported on Monday, citing data from Chinese customs.

According to the report, Saudi Arabia supplied 1.84 mln barrels of oil per day to China in May, while Russia supplied around 1.98 mln barrels, including supplies through the ESPO pipeline (The Eastern Siberia - Pacific Ocean oil pipeline) and sea transportation.

"The data, which shows that Russia took back the top ranking of suppliers to the world's biggest crude oil importer after a gap of 19 months, indicates that Moscow is able to find buyers for its oil despite western sanctions, though it has had to slash prices," Reuters wrote.