Supply, consumption of energy witness decrease

During the corresponding financial year 2008 to 2009, supply and consumption of energy remained low as compared to previous years due to a number of internal and external challenges in the national economy as shortfall in the sector was among the major problems. According to official sources, the consumption of petroleum products, gas and coal during the first nine months (July-March 2008-09) of the year decreased by 3.4%, 2.5% and 26.5%, respectively over the corresponding period of last year. On the other hand, supply of crude oil, petroleum products, coal and electricity during the first nine months of the last year decreased by 5.5%, 2.8%, 26.5% and 17.9%, respectively over the corresponding period of last year. Production of crude oil per day decreased to 66,531 barrels per day (bpd) during July to March 2008 to 2009 from 70,165 bpd during the same period last year, showing a decrease of 5.2%. The average production of natural gas per day stood at 3,986.5 million cubic feet during July to March 2008 2009, as compared to 3,965.9 million cubic feet over the same period of previous year, showing an increase of 0.52%. (July 1, 2009)