Output of crude and condensates totalled 64.4 mb, compared with 68.7 mb, a decline of 6.2 per cent. Average daily production was 715,400 barrels against 763,000 barrels. The average price of Oman oil decreased by 6.3 per cent to $54.70 per barrel from $58.39. China topped the countries importing crude from the Sultanate with its purchases totalling 24.6 mb. Thailand was second (9.6 mb) and Japan third (6.4 mb). Natural gas production and consumption rose by 11.2 per cent to reach 267.8 million cubic feet (mcf), compared with 240.74 mcf in the first three months of 2006.

PIN/KHALEEJTIMES.COM