Several North Korean oil tankers broadcast their locations near, or in transit to, Chinese oil terminals in recent days, analysis of vessel tracking information from Marine Traffic shows, following a period of low activity off the DPRK’s west coast.

DPRK tanker movements in the area appeared relatively quiet in recent weeks, coinciding with reports from Pyongyang that prices had increased sharply, a possible indicator of supply shortages.

The spiking prices – which jumped 83 percent – also follow reports in Chinese media that restrictions on the DPRK’s oil flows were being considered. North Korea is not