Oman’s crude oil and condensate production hit a new record high of 992,700 b/d in June, latest official figures show. This surpasses the previous record of 976,600 b/d achieved in March.

This latest boost in the sultanate’s output brings average production to 970,000 b/d for the first half of 2015, up 26,000 b/d year-on-year. Oman is on course to achieve its official output target of 980,000 b/d for 2015 (MEES, 23 January) if output can be maintained at or near June levels. Evidence in favor is provided by recent ‘rigcount’ data of US services firm Baker Hughes, which show that the number of active drilling rigs in the country has been at record levels of around 70 in recent months – though numbers dipped to 67 for July (see p7). Output averaged 943,000 b/d for 2014. (CONTINUED - 301 WORDS)