Oman’s oil sector had a record breaking 2016, posting output of 1.004mn b/d and exports of 880,000 b/d (MEES, 20 January). But China accounted for virtually all additional exports.

Overall crude and condensate exports rose 36,000 b/d from 2015, while exports to China rose 35,000 b/d. Exports to China accounted for 78% of the total, the highest on record, edging out 2015’s previous record by 1%. Conversely, exports to Thailand, which had previously been a consistent purchaser of moderate volumes, collapsed. Thailand bought just two small cargoes in 2016. (CONTINUED - 625 WORDS)