Oman increased production of crude and condensates by 4.9 per cent in May in the sultanate’s highest output for nine years, according to the Oil and Gas Ministry.

Total crude and condensates production for the month stood at 28,890,698 barrels, or an average of 931,955 barrels a day (b/d), with exports averaging 711,779 b/d.

China accounted for almost half of Omani crude exports in May. The majority of other exports were also shipped to Asian customers.

Oman’s oil sector has been hit with strikes by contract workers in June, which state oil producer Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) said had a limited impact on oil output.