Global demand for GCC crude oil grows 3.1% annually

10/11/2026 06:14 AST

Global demand for crude oil from the GCC countries grew at an average annual rate of 3.1% between 2021 and 2025, reflecting the region's continued importance in meeting international energy requirements.

GCC crude oil production rose 5% in 2025 compared with the previous year to reach 16.9mn barrels per day (bpd), accounting for 22.5% of global output, according to the 2025 energy sector indicators released by the GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-STAT).

The region also strengthened its position in international oil markets, with crude oil exports reaching 12.2mn bpd in 2025, equivalent to 27.3% of global crude oil exports. The figures highlight the GCC's substantial contribution to global oil supplies and its continued importance to international energy markets.

GCC crude oil production, however, fluctuated over the five-year period. Output stood at 16mn bpd in 2021 before climbing to 18.2mn bpd in 2022. Production subsequently declined to 17mn bpd in 2023 and 16.1mn bpd in 2024, before recovering to 16.9mn bpd in 2025.

The GCC also maintained a significant position in global natural gas markets. Natural gas production across the region stood at approximately 460.9bn cubic metres in 2025, representing 10.6% of global output.

The scale of gas production underlines the region's role in meeting international energy demand, while supporting manufacturing and other economic activities that rely on natural gas as a key industrial input.

Alongside its established oil and gas base, the GCC is pursuing efforts to diversify its energy mix through the expansion of renewable energy, improvements in energy efficiency and investment in clean energy projects.

According to GCC-STAT, these initiatives are aimed at reducing emissions while balancing the requirements of economic growth with environmental protection. GCC countries have announced national targets for increasing the share of renewable energy in their respective energy mixes, although the targets differ in scale and implementation timelines.

The latest indicators highlight the GCC's dual position in the global energy landscape: as a major supplier of conventional energy and as a region seeking to expand alternative energy sources as its energy systems evolve.

Muscat Daily