Oman’s natural gas production and imports fell by 4.5% to 3,424mcm in January 2017, compared to 3,584mcm in January 2016, Times of Oman informed.

Additionally, non-associated gas and imports dropped by 3.7% to 2,859mcm, while associated gas production fell by 8% to 565mcm, according to the latest statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Hellenic Shipping News reported.

A sizeable portion of natural gas in Oman is used by various mega-industrial projects. In January 2017, it stood at 2,183mcm, against 2,199mcm for the same period in 2016. Natural gas is also used in oil fields, either as fuel or for re-injection.

In January 2016, as much as 693mcm of natural gas was used in oil fields, against 816mcm units consumed during the same period in 2016. Other major consumers of natural gas in Oman include power producers, small-scale industries and liquefied natural gas plants.

Additionally, natural gas is used for producing steam water injection in enhanced oil recovery projects.