Oman Oil Production Up 1.4% in November 2021

Oman’s oil production stood increased 1.4 percent compared to the same period in 2020. Asharq Al-Awsat
Oman’s oil production stood increased 1.4 percent compared to the same period in 2020. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Oman Oil Production Up 1.4% in November 2021

Oman’s oil production stood increased 1.4 percent compared to the same period in 2020. Asharq Al-Awsat
Oman’s oil production stood increased 1.4 percent compared to the same period in 2020. Asharq Al-Awsat

Oman’s oil production stood at 323,174,600 barrels in November 2021, the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) said on Saturday, up 1.4 percent from the same period in 2020.

The production of crude oil reached 249,765,900 barrels compared to 256,450,400 barrels during the same period in 2020, down 2.6 percent, the NCSI added.

The average daily production of oil increased during the same period by 1.7 percent to reach 967.6 thousand barrels compared to 951.1 thousand barrels during the corresponding period in 2020, while the average price per barrel increased by 35 percent from $46.5 per barrel to $62.7 per barrel.

The statistics also showed a decline in the total oil exports by 0.5 percent by late November 2021 to reach 260,804,100 barrels, compared to 262,036,800 barrels in the same period in 2020.

According to the published statistics, China was the largest importer of Omani oil until the end of November 2021, importing about 220,229,300 barrels, down 3.2 percent compared to the same period in 2020, followed by India, which imported about 24,261,000 barrels, up 50.3 percent compared to 16,142,300 barrels during the same period in 2020.



Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Business activity in Saudi Arabia's non-oil sector accelerated to a four-month high in September, driven by strong demand, which led to faster growth in new orders. The Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), adjusted for seasonal factors, rose to 56.3 points from 54.8 in August, marking the highest reading since May and further distancing itself from the 50.0 level that indicates growth.

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders, alongside challenges in supply. The improvement in business conditions contributed to a significant rise in employment opportunities, although difficulties in finding skilled workers led to a shortage in production capacity.

At the same time, concerns over increasing competition caused a decline in future output expectations. According to the PMI statement, inventories of production inputs remained in good condition, which encouraged some companies to reduce their purchasing efforts.

Growth was strong overall and widespread across all non-oil sectors under study. Dr. Naif Al-Ghaith, Senior Economist at Riyad Bank, said that the rise in Saudi Arabia's PMI points to a notable acceleration in the growth of the non-oil private sector, primarily driven by increased production and new orders, reflecting the sector’s expansionary activity.

Al-Ghaith added that companies responded to the rise in domestic demand, which plays a crucial role in reducing the Kingdom's reliance on oil revenues. The upward trend also indicates improved business confidence, pointing to a healthy environment for increased investment, job creation, and overall economic stability.

He emphasized that this growth in the non-oil sector is particularly important given the current context of reduced oil production and falling global oil prices. With oil revenues under pressure, the strong performance of the non-oil private sector acts as a buffer, helping mitigate the potential impact on the country's economic conditions.

Al-Ghaith continued, noting that diversifying income sources is essential to maintaining growth amid the volatility of oil markets. He explained that increased production levels not only enhance the competitiveness of Saudi companies but also encourage developments aimed at expanding the private sector's participation in the economy.

This shift, he said, provides a more stable foundation for long-term growth, making the economy less susceptible to oil price fluctuations.