India’s fuel and gas output rises as economic activity surges
11:27, 22 October 2021
India’s fuel and gas output advanced in September on soaring demand as nearly all segments of the economy opened up after the coronavirus-led lockdown earlier this year.
Indian refiners processed 18.21 million metric tons (mmt) of crude oil in September, 2.8% higher than the same month last year, but 6.3% lower than the target for the month, according to data released by the government today.
Cumulative crude output for April-September was 113.29mmt, 13.1% higher than production in the corresponding period of 2020 but 3.2% lower than the target for the period.
The federal and provincial governments across the country have lifted nearly all restrictions imposed in April to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, which had reached a daily average of more than 100,000 cases. A staggered opening of the economy has been under way since June.
Crude oil production in India stood at 2.4mmt last month, 5.49% lower than the same month last year, while the total for the six months through September stood at 14.9mmt, 3.68% lower than the same period last year.
Gas production up 26%
Natural gas production in the month of September was 2,902 million metric standard cubic meters (MMSCM), 26.6% higher year on year when compared with the same month last year but 8.4% lower than the monthly target.
Cumulative natural gas production from April to September was 16,890.9 MMSCM, or 26.6% higher than production during the corresponding period last year but 6.7% lower when compared with the target for the period.
The output of petroleum products during the month of September was 19.08mmt, a year-on-year growth of 6% but 3.4% lower when compared with the target for the month.
Cumulative production during April-September was 11.9mmt, 11.2% higher when compared with production in the corresponding period of last year but 3.3% lower than the target for the period.
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