Oman has reversed its crude output decline and is expanding its refinery and petrochemical industries, but it faces the challenge of worsening crude quality and the possible slashing of exports, if new refining capacity uses domestic feedstock. The government is expected to address these problems in its energy policy review (See p19). Other issues include the opportunities – but also difficulties – posed by enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and the role of independents in boosting crude output.
In December 2012 Oman’s crude and condensate output reached 933,000 b/d, up from 2011’s 884,900 b/d average. Crude output from the country’s main producer, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), rose to 566,000 b/d from last year’s 549,000 b/d, and its condensate fell slightly to 92,400 b/d in 2012 – a slight decline on 2011’s 93,600 b/d, as projected. Its gas and crude boosts in 2012 produced its highest total offtake on record at 1.24mn barrels of oil equivalent/day. (CONTINUED - 1318 WORDS)
