Oil Production Capacity

The graph shows Oil Production Capacity in millions of barrels per day for selected Gulf countries. There are several features in this graph.

The most significant feature is that oil production will increase sharply in almost all the countries shown. Kuwait and Iraq are both expected to double their output between 1990 and 2010, with Kuwait’s production rising from 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in 1990 to 3.8 in 2010. Iran will also increase its output by a slightly smaller amount. After remaining steady at 2.5 million bpd from 1990 to 2000, the UAE’s output is expected to approach 4.0 million bpd in 2010. Only Qatar’s production is predictedto fall, 0.8 million bpd after a slight rise in 2000.

However, the greatest increase will be from Saudi Arabia. In 1990, its output capacity at 8.5 million bpd exceeded the combined production of Iran, Iraq and Kuwait. This lead is expected to continue with a 75% increase in production to 14.5 million bpd 2010.

In summary, while most of the countries are expected to show increases, Saudi Arabia will maintain and strengthen its position as the major producer.

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