Oman's refinery output declines marginally by end of April
Muscat: The total output of refineries in the Sultanate of Oman saw a slight decline of 0.1 percent by the end of April 2025, while the production of automotive fuel in April 2025 decreased by 4.6 percent compared to the previous month, according to preliminary statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
The statistics revealed that the production of regular gasoline (91) increased by 9.8 percent by the end of April 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 5,782,100 barrels, up from 5,265,500 barrels by the end of April 2024. Sales also rose by 2.5 percent, totaling 4,558,600 barrels compared to 4,446,900 barrels by the end of April 2024.
In contrast, the production of premium gasoline (95) declined by 0.3 percent compared to April 2024, reaching 4,108,700 barrels, down from 4,122,800 barrels during the same period last year. Despite this drop in production, sales increased by 1.7 percent, reaching 4,229,400 barrels compared to 4,158,900 barrels by the end of April 2024.
The production of gas oil (diesel) decreased by 0.7 percent, recording 10,326,900 barrels compared to 10,399,200 barrels by the end of April 2024. However, sales rose by 4.9 percent, reaching 4,665,300 barrels compared to 4,446,700 barrels in the same period last year.
Jet fuel production declined by 8.1 percent, totaling 3,378,000 barrels compared to 3,674,300 barrels by the end of April 2024. Sales also fell by 8.7 percent, reaching 1,247,500 barrels compared to 1,366,700 barrels.
As for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), production reached 2,364,000 barrels, marking a 6.7 percent decline from the same period in 2024, when production stood at 2,534,600 barrels. Conversely, sales surged by 20.2 percent, reaching 1,303,800 barrels compared to 1,084,500 barrels by the end of April 2024.
Regarding petrochemicals, the statistics showed an 8.7 percent increase in benzene production, reaching 59,500 metric tons compared to 54,800 metric tons by the end of April 2024.
Paraxylene production rose by 10.5 percent, reaching 196,700 metric tons by the end of April 2025. On the other hand, polypropylene production declined by 6.9 percent, recording 112,400 metric tons compared to 120,800 metric tons during the same period last year. Despite this drop in production, sales saw a significant surge of 461.9 percent, reaching 10,800 metric tons compared to 1,900 metric tons in the same period last year.
Oman's exports of regular gasoline (91) increased by 4.7 percent by the end of April 2025, reaching 1,041,100 barrels compared to 994,500 barrels by the end of April 2024. Meanwhile, exports of premium gasoline (95) saw a notable rise of 66.3 percent, reaching 690,700 barrels compared to 415,400 barrels in the same period last year.
In contrast, gas oil (diesel) exports declined by 23.4 percent, recording 4,560,100 barrels compared to 5,956,500 barrels by the end of April 2024. Jet fuel exports also decreased by 7 percent, reaching 2,046,200 barrels compared to 2,199,500 barrels by the end of April 2024. LPG exports witnessed a sharp decline of 69.8 percent, totaling 53,500 barrels compared to 177,000 barrels by the end of April 2024.
Benzene exports by the end of April 2025 reached approximately 58,200 metric tons, marking a 3.6 percent increase compared to 56,100 metric tons by the end of April 2024. Paraxylene exports rose by 29.2 percent, reaching 228,100 metric tons compared to 176,600 metric tons in the same period last year. Meanwhile, polypropylene exports reached 79,200 metric tons, reflecting a 3.8 percent increase compared to 76,300 metric tons by the end of April 2024.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
Oman's labour force tops 1.8 million in Q1
MUSCAT, JUNE 21 Oman's labour market remained broadly stable in the first quarter of 2025, with the total number of workers reaching 1,808,451, reflecting a marginal increase of 0.2 per cent compared to the same period in 2024, according to the latest data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The report highlights the critical role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in sustaining employment. Micro-enterprises, which typically employ fewer than five workers, accounted for the largest share of employment at 37.5 per cent, with 677,860 workers on record. Small enterprises followed with 29.7 per cent (537,079 workers), while large enterprises accounted for 24.3 per cent (438,212), and medium-sized enterprises employed 8.5 per cent (153,094). By economic sector, the private sector continued to lead employment with 1,409,215 workers, although this marked a slight 0.9 per cent decrease from the previous year. The family sector—which includes domestic and informal workers—grew by 4.7 per cent to reach 349,517 employees, while the public sector recorded a modest decline of 0.6 per cent, employing 41,815 workers. Expatriate workers continued to form a significant portion of the workforce, led by nationals from Bangladesh (622,078, down 9.1 per cent), India (507,956, broadly stable), and Pakistan (314,997, up 8.8 per cent). These three nationalities alone represent over 80 per cent of the expatriate labour force in Oman. Meanwhile, the job seekers' rate stood at 4.0 per cent in May 2025. The highest levels of unemployment were observed among young people aged 15 to 24 years, as well as those holding higher diplomas and bachelor's degrees, indicating a persistent mismatch between education outcomes and labour market needs. The latest labour market figures come as Oman intensifies efforts to align workforce development with economic diversification goals under Oman Vision 2040. Recent policy directions have focused on improving private sector participation, enhancing vocational and digital skills, and supporting small business development to boost job creation.
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Oman's development project funding soars by 72% to OMR11bn
Muscat: Significant progress has been reported in implementing the Tenth Five-Year Development Plan (2021–2025), which aligns with Oman Vision 2040, the Ministry of Economy said on Saturday. Development project funding has surged by 72 percent to OMR11 billion compared to the initial OMR6.4 billion approved at the start of the implementation of the plan. This significant growth follows the completion and launch of numerous infrastructure and economic diversification initiatives across various service and social sectors. These efforts are supporting the Vision 2040 goals of comprehensive, balanced development by upgrading public services, improving infrastructure, and enhancing investment in all governorates. According to the Ministry, 95% of the plan's 412 strategic programmes are already underway, spanning 14 national priorities and covering all the key pillars of the vision. The Ministry said that all programmes related to the youth development priority have come into force. These programmes aim to govern and regulate the youth sector, enhance youth participation, and develop capabilities and skills of youth. All the three programmes implemented focused on governance, youth engagement, and skill development. All the programmes under the health priority segment like building hospitals, enhancing health coverage, and digital transformation are being implemented. The ministry further said that under the education and scientific segment 65 of the 70 programmes are active and include capacity building, governance reforms, career guidance, and innovation promotion. In the citizenship, heritage and culture segment 43 of the 45 programmes have been launched. These focus on tourism data systems, national talent training and international cultural events. In the social welfare segment 25 of the 26 programmes are operational and these include housing support, disability-inclusive festivals, sports promotion and social insurance sustainability efforts. The ministry further said that under the Economy and Development segment 152 programmes are underway, 98% of which are already being implemented. These include in areas like advanced urban services, community organisation roles in housing, land development for investment, and decentralised economic management. All the 17 programmes targeting the private sector, investment, and international cooperation are ongoing featuring loan guarantees, SME growth programmes and cost optimisation in the oil and gas sector. Under the information and communications technology (ICT) priority, all the 20 programmes related have come into effect. This includes the national digital economy strategy, smart city networks, cyber awareness campaigns and digital upskilling programmes. The flagship initiative 'Makeen' has trained over 8,200 Omanis through 126 sessions and set the groundwork for Oman's future tech talent hubs. Under the economic leadership and management priority, all the six associated programmes are currently being implemented. These include developing a more advanced and efficient public finance management system, establishing a national registry for government assets, creating an empowered and effective body responsible for coordinating economic decisions and preparing a national policy guide, and updating economic legislation to stimulate activity and enhance competitiveness. Additionally, 60 out of 62 programmes under the economic diversification and financial sustainability priority have entered the implementation phase. They include initiatives such as empowering startups in Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, expanding national data centre and government cloud services, strengthening innovation and operational efficiency in public institutions, unified global software licencing management, reviewing government service fees, monitoring the performance and competitiveness of the logistics sector, and maximising local value in transport, communications, and IT projects. Other notable initiatives include support for national industries and Omani products, modernisation of financial legislation in the mining sector, updating the Mineral Resources Law, promoting investment in mining, developing a digital mining platform, enhancing local company and SME participation in the energy and mining sectors, and advancing digital transformation in government services. Regarding the labour market and employment priority, 17 out of 18 programmes are being implemented. These focus on drafting the National Employment Strategy, improving labour policies and legislation, implementing an effective nationalisation (Omanisation) mechanism, rolling out replacement-linked training initiatives, offering specialised entrepreneurship programmes in cooperation with relevant agencies, and cultivating a culture of empowerment for national talent in the energy and mining sectors. Under the Sustainable Environment pillar, a total of 56 programmes have been outlined, with 95% (53 programmes) already in implementation. These include key initiatives such as updating environmental policies and legislation, sustainable biodiversity management, a national strategy for chemical and agricultural soil conditioner management, regulation of pesticides and fertilizers, enhancement of palm productivity, the establishment of a national environmental monitoring and control system, development of a national environmental information system to support decision-making, and programs to support fishing vessels and equipment. In the governance and institutional performance segment, 54 programmes are aligned with its priorities. As of the first quarter of 2025, 87% are in execution. Notably, 13 out of 14 programmes in the legislative, judicial, and oversight areas have been launched—covering anti-corruption, public fund protection, oversight capacity-building, governance of national resources and projects, and improving civil aviation security in line with international standards. Within the public administration governance segment, 34 out of 40 programmes are currently active. These include ensuring governmental compliance, evaluating governance in state-owned enterprises, and developing legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks for the telecom and IT sectors. Other ongoing efforts include establishing a national innovation and change management system, an innovation lab for performance improvement, integration of e-government services, performance measurement systems, and upgrading the infrastructure and technical support for national networks. Regarding development projects currently being implemented during the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the Ministry of Economy said that notable progress has been made. In the infrastructure sector segment, Phase 1 of Sultan Haitham City is 80% complete, with Phase 2 at 45% completion. 25% of the structural planning for Greater Muscat, Salalah, Nizwa, and Haima have been completed. In the road sector projects indicated varied completion rates: Khasab–Daba–Lima road at 40%, Adam–Thumrait dualisation at 32%, Al-Amirat's Al-Joud Street at 79%, Dhofar's Darbat tunnel at 90%, Sultan Qaboos Street dualisation in Salalah at 81% and various other road projects ranging from 20% to 86%. In the social services sector, construction of health facilities is progressing strongly: Sultan Qaboos Hospital (Salalah) is 58% complete, Madha Hospital 86%, Suwaiq Hospital 77%, and other facilities such as Wadi Bani Khalid, Samail, Falah, and Namah Hospitals are progressing between 3% to 82%. The new Infectious Diseases Lab has reached 91% completion. In the education sector, 69 new schools are being built across the Sultanate, with an average completion rate of 50%. In the commodity production sector date palm weevil eradication has reached a completion rate of 80%, palm seedling productivity at 95%, desert locust control at 90%, agricultural and fisheries development at 59%, and animal disease surveillance at 95%. Fishing port infrastructure upgrades are ongoing and the completion rate includes Daba Port (86%), Kumzar Port (45%) and data preservation in the oil and gas sector and smart monitoring of mineral output are also underway. Finally, in the productive services sector, major projects are nearing completion: the Oman Botanical Garden (95%), municipal service improvements in Dhofar tourist areas (95%), coastal development in Shuwaymiyah and Taqah (20%), and multiple urban promenade and tourism marketing initiatives all contributing to enhanced service quality, tourism appeal, and housing aid delivery, with some projects like the housing assistance program achieving 92% completion
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- Times of Oman
What you need to know about driving legally in Oman: A guide for residents and visitors
Oman's Traffic Law ensures road safety by regulating vehicle use, driver behaviour, and licensing procedures. Speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman, a representative of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm, a leading law office in Oman, explained that all vehicles must be registered, insured, and comply with technical standards such as functioning brakes, lights, and mirrors. Drivers are required to obey traffic signs and speed limits and must avoid reckless behavior. Pedestrians should use designated crossings, while vehicles must not block roads or park illegally. To obtain a driving license, applicants must be at least 18 years old. They must apply through the General Directorate of Traffic, pass a driving test, and pay the required fees. License types include Light for vehicles under 6 tons, Heavy for vehicles over 6 tons, as well as Motorcycle and Equipment licenses, said Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali Founding Partner of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm. Another spokesperson from the law firm added that 'tourists and foreign residents may use valid international licenses for up to three months. Learner drivers require a permit and must train at approved driving schools. Licenses must be carried at all times while driving and renewed before expiry to avoid fines.' He added that punishments are strict to deter violations. Offenses such as driving without a license, using a phone while driving, or reckless overtaking can result in fines of up to OMR500 or imprisonment. Severe offences, such as driving under the influence (DUI), carry harsher penalties, if the DUI causes death or permanent total disability, penalties including multi-year jail terms and fines of up to OMR3,000. By adhering to these regulations, drivers not only avoid legal consequences but also contribute to safer roads for all. Vehicles may be impounded, and licenses revoked for violations such as expired registration or illegal modifications. Always renew licenses on time, follow police instructions, and ensure vehicles meet safety standards. These rules protect everyone on Oman's roads, the expert said. (Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm ([email protected]), (+968 244 87 600) was established 18 years ago and is serving clients through its offices in Muscat and Sohar, as well as operating on a request basis in other areas. It offers legal representation across a wide range of practice areas that include Labour Law, Corporate, Commercial, Contracts, Banking and Finance, International Trade, Foreign Investment, Insurance, Maritime Law, Construction and Engineering Contracts, International Arbitration, Intellectual Property and more).
