Oman to boost oil output by 2010

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), which produces more than 80 per cent of the sultanate's oil, is expecting an increase in output by 2010 as its enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects come on stream.

Average crude production capacity in 2007 was a little more than 560,000 barrels a day (b/d), according to John Malcolm, managing director at PDO, down marginally on the figure for 2006 and far below the peak production of more than 800,000 b/d in 2001.

Speaking on 11 February, Malcolm forecasted that production would stabilise at about the 550,000 b/d mark for the next two years before increasing slightly when its Qarn Alam, Harweel and Marmul EOR schemes are completed.

Gas and condensate production are also projected to rise, with total hydrocarbons output in 2010 of almost 1.2 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe). Average gas output in 2007 was 398,000 boe while condensate production hit 46,000 b/d.

PDO has also made two significant oil finds at its Budour northeast and Rabab southeast fields, with the former testing at 5,800 b/d. Gas has also been discovered at the Simr and Burhaan west fields.

The Omani government owns 60 per cent of PDO, while the UK/Dutch Shell Group has a 34 per cent interest. France's Total and Partex hold the remainder.