Oil in Norway slumps as gas output grows.

(From Lloyds List)

Byline: Production plummets by 10% because of field shutdowns and delayed company drilling plans, writes Martyn Wingrove

NORWEGIAN oil production is well into decline after a disappointing year for one of the world's top exporters, but gas output is climbing consistently.

Field shutdowns, late arrival of developments and lack of drilling rigs meant oil production from the Norwegian continental shelf was down 10% last year.

Figures from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate showed oil production fell to 148.4m cu m, or 2.45m barrels per day, in 2005, compared with 162.8m cu m the year before.

The NPD blamed the loss of production from the large Snorre field in the northern North Sea early in the year, plus late start-up of the Kristin field in the Norwegian Sea for the lower than expected output levels.

There were also delays to oil company drilling plans as a result of the shortage of rigs and strikes by offshore workers.

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