MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman has significantly increased its supply of natural gas to industrial estates and projects, reaching a total of over 29 billion cubic meters from January to November.
Within this period, industrial estates consumed 240 million cubic meters of domestic natural gas, marking a 6.2% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, natural gas usage in industrial projects reached 28.8 billion cubic meters, reflecting a 1.3% increase from last year. The utilization of natural gas in oil fields also experienced growth, reaching 12.3 billion cubic meters, a notable 11.4% increase. Furthermore, power generation stations consumed 7.9 billion cubic meters of natural gas, demonstrating a 9.6% increase compared to the previous year.
In terms of production and import, the Sultanate of Oman witnessed a 4.9% rise in natural gas, reaching 49.4 billion cubic meters by the end of November. This is compared to 47.1 billion cubic meters recorded during the same month in 2022. The total includes 10.1 billion cubic meters of associated gas production and 39.2 billion cubic meters from non-associated gas production and import.
The industrial sector's growing demands and the implementation of new projects in areas like the Duqm Special Economic Zone have coincided with an increase in natural gas supplies. This growth is particularly evident in the number of existing and planned projects in the zone. Notably, the OQ 8 refinery, a significant petrochemical industry project, has recently commenced its trial operation by exporting high-quality diesel. It is anticipated that the project will be officially inaugurated in the near future.
In line with the priority of supporting the local industry, the gas transportation network in the Sultanate of Oman has witnessed significant expansion in recent years. This expansion includes the important gas supply project from Saih Nahidah to the Duqm Special Economic Zone, which amounts to a total investment of RO 98 million. This project plays a crucial role in meeting the current and future gas supply requirements for projects within the region.
