In October refined petroleum product production totalled 10,461.0 thousand cubic metres, up 244.8 thousand cubic metres or 2.4% from than the same month a year earlier. In volumetric terms, this increase was led by a 280.8 thousand cubic metre recovery in petrochemical feedstock production, offset somewhat by decreases in heavy fuel oil, diesel and motor gasoline production. January to October production increased 1.4% from the same ten-month period a year earlier.

Crude oil and equivalent receipts by refineries slipped to 8,684.6 thousand cubic metres in October, down 306.1 thousand cubic metres or 3.4% from the same month a year earlier. While domestic crude oil receipts increased by 558.0 thousand cubic metres to 4,977.0 thousand cubic metres, crude oil imports fell 864.1 below a year earlier. Year-to-date total receipts were 3.4% higher than the same period in 2005.

Crude oil imports in October represented about 42% of total refinery receipts compared to about 51% a year earlier. OPEC countries comprised 49% of the imports with Algeria is largest contributor. North Sea suppliers (Norway and the United Kingdom) supplied about 44% followed by Mexico and the United States.

Domestic sales of refined petroleum products totalled 8,616.3 thousand cubic metres, 2.8% higher than October 2005. Petrochemical feedstock sales more than doubled, up 297.8 thousand cubic metres as production recovered from a year earlier lows. Motor gasoline, diesel fuel oil and aviation turbo fuel sales also posted increases. Heavy fuel posted the largest volumetric decrease. January to October sales of all refined products dropped 1.2 % below the same period in 2005.

Refined petroleum product closing inventories for October totalled 10,085.4 thousand cubic metres, up 6.0% from the same month a year earlier.