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Review of the Soviet oil industry in 1985

Journal Article · · Int. Geol. Rev.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5634182

A sharp decline in Soviet oil production was probably one of the most striking developments in the energy sphere in 1985. The Soviet Union relies on exports of crude oil and refined products for about 60% of its hard-currency revenue from the Western countries, and a decline in oil exports cut sharply into the hard-currency earnings in 1985. The continued decline of the price of oil on the world market also contributed to the fall of Soviet export earning in the West. The problem area in Soviet oil production has now become West Siberia, which over the last 20 years has emerged as the nation's main oil producing region, accounting in 1985 for 62% of national output. To maintain production smaller fields are being put into operation, which, given the climate and terrain of West Siberia, is causing slowdowns. The administrations of the oil fields are also a problem, which is discussed in some detail. Oil production from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan is also described. Two potential new development areas are also mentioned: Barent Sea coast and East Siberia. The slowdown in the oil industry is also evident in plans for the construction of pipelines and refineries. The 12th five-year plan schedules the construction of 5900 km of crude oil pipelines and 7300 km of product pipelines. It appears that no further refinery capacity is needed for the time being.

OSTI ID:
5634182
Journal Information:
Int. Geol. Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: Int. Geol. Rev.; (United States) Vol. 28:1; ISSN IGREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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