Abstract: After verifying the applicability of inner-benchmark analysis to the performance optimization of Sinopec's overseas crude oil supply chain, we analyzed evaluating indices and divided them into two categories: purchasing quantity of crude oil and coordination & cooperation. According to inner-benchmark analysis, the optimization will be achieved when Sinopec's crude oil import is equally divided among every country or district in the supply chain, and the company maintains good cooperative relationship with them. Therefore,major increase in crude oil import should be from Asia Pacific,South & Central America and Russia while moderate increase from Africa,and the Asia Pacific crude oil exporter countries should be the major aim for relations improvement and efforts also need to be made to improve relations with Africa and South & Central America.

Key words: energy security, Sinopec, overseas crude oil supply chain, performance optimization, inner-benchmark analysis