Two key concessions operated by Germany’s Wintershall hit a combined five-year production peak in October of 65,000 b/d, according to the latest data shared with MEES by the firm. Production came back onstream on 13 June after the thawing of a dispute between the operator and state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC). This paved the way for average third quarter production of an estimated 60,000 b/d, the highest quarter since 2012 (see chart).

But on 1 November, protestors from the town of Jakhira issued a statement saying that they had taken action against oil production as a result of NOC’s failure to respond to local demands. They previously issued a statement criticizing municipal authorities for a failure to deliver on promised development projects, job provision and medical aid. (CONTINUED - 845 WORDS)