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Abu Dhabi activity soars, but government keeps lid on production

Journal Article · · Oil Gas J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6803525

Abu Dhabi's large reserves of oil and gas have made it the most influential of the 7 members of the United Arab Emirates. Currently, Abu Dhabi is producing around 1.4 million bpd compared with 360,000 bpd in Dubai, the only other member with significant output. Production currently is pegged by political decree at 1.4 million bpd, but there is a large scope for expansion. The complex upper zone of Zakum field is scheduled to increase output from 50,000 bpd to 500,000 bpd by 1983 and could, with further development, top one million barrels per day. On shore, output could rise from 850,000 bpd back to surpass one million barrels per day once the government and oil companies resolve technical differences over pressure-maintenance questions. Also, there are several smaller fields that can be developed both on shore and off shore. However, it is still not clear whether Abu Dhabi will allow expanded production from some fields to boost total production or whether increases from upper Zakum, in particular, will lead to cutbacks elsewhere.

OSTI ID:
6803525
Journal Information:
Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 77:28; ISSN OIGJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English