
The year 2024 was a pivotal year for the global oil industry. The major producers kept their strong positions, while new oil-producing countries faced challenges shaped by politics and the economy. Data based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration show that global oil production remained strong, despite OPEC+ production limits and issues in older oil fields.
American oil production hit new records in 2024, staying firmly at the top. The country’s success is rooted in advanced technology and substantial investment. Texas and New Mexico are oil hotspots, especially in the Permian Basin. Overall, output keeps climbing because U.S. companies adapt quickly to market changes.
Saudi Arabia carefully controls oil supply to balance global prices. The country has significant reserves and can quickly adjust its oil production. Costs are among the lowest in the world, so it remains profitable even when prices drop. Primarily, it exports oil worldwide through powerful state-owned companies.
Russia continued strong oil production despite facing tough sanctions and export challenges. Most exports now go to Asia, especially China and India. Russian companies adapted with creative shipping and pricing to keep the business running. Costs are low, and quick changes help keep profits up.
Canada boosted its oil output with new pipelines and innovative use of oil sands. Alberta leads in production, and pipeline expansions allow more exports. Western Canadian Select prices improved compared to U.S. benchmarks, benefiting local companies. Production numbers went up sharply in 2024.
China set a record for domestic oil production, defying predictions of decline. Despite producing more, China still imports a lot of oil because demand is massive. Major state-run companies invest in new technology to squeeze out more from old fields. The government’s strategy keeps the country energy-secure.
Iraq maintained strong oil output but faces export challenges due to pipeline closures. The oil sector is the spine of the economy, generating most government revenue. Expansion plans are in place, but regional difficulties remain. Iraq is a reliable supplier in the Middle East, with rich reserves.
Iran increased oil production using innovative tactics to overcome sanctions. Most oil goes to China, often at discounted prices. Iranian oil’s journey relies on hidden tankers and creative deals. Large reserves support high output despite global restrictions.
Oil remains crucial for the UAE’s economy, with steady plans for future growth. Output numbers vary because the measurement includes other liquids. Abu Dhabi leads, investing in capacity and innovative technology. The oil sector funds a mix of old and new economic projects.
Brazil’s deepwater drilling pushes oil production from beneath a thick salt layer. This “pre-salt” technology is cutting emissions and adding new supply. Brazil jumped ahead in exports, beating soybeans for the first time. State-owned Petrobras runs most of the production and plans new growth.
Kuwait aims big, planning major capacity expansion while keeping costs low. The oil business provides most of the national wealth and budget. Newly discovered fields are expected to boost future output. Kuwait’s firm reserves mean many years of production ahead.
Norway’s oil production changes as new fields start operating, helping Europe meet its energy needs. Monthly output has jumped at times with the launch of new projects, even breaking past records. Most of the oil is sold abroad, and Norway continues to invest heavily in finding more reserves. The oil industry remains a major part of Norway’s strong economy.
Mexico faces steady declines in oil output as old fields run dry—new drilling struggles to keep pace with falling production. Pemex, the state company, faces financial losses and high debt. The government works to reverse the downward trend.
Kazakhstan produces steady output but often misses targets due to field maintenance. Plans call for bigger volume as new projects finish. Large state-backed operations dominate the oil sector. Export routes and refining infrastructure support growth.
Oil is essential to Qatar, but natural gas is even more critical. Major expansion projects focus on boosting both oil and gas output. Plans will make Qatar a global leader in LNG. The North Field is one of the largest reserves in the world.
North Sea oil keeps declining, cutting into the UK’s domestic supply. New drilling licenses are ending; most future energy will be imported. UK’s offshore wind booms while oil fades. Experts predict rapid dependence on imports.
Nigeria faces challenges from theft and sabotage, yet remains a top African producer. Local refineries improved in 2024, but output often falls short of OPEC quotas. The region faces investment challenges, pipeline vandalism, and underdeveloped infrastructure. Dangote Refinery boosts domestic processing.
Algeria’s oil output slowly declines each year, but gas also plays a significant role. Sonatrach is Africa’s biggest energy company, making new deals and discoveries. Export revenues are vital for the country’s budget. New partnerships may boost future growth.
Libyan oil production swings dramatically due to instability. Big plans could see exports jump if the political situation settles. The National Oil Corporation urges more foreign investment. Output is at its highest since 2013, but risks remain.
Angola’s oil production has been falling for some time, which led the country to leave OPEC. Most of its oil still comes from old offshore wells. Investment and new technology are needed to reverse the decline. The country relies heavily on oil for its economy.
Oman sticks closely to OPEC production cuts, impacting overall output. Oil is the backbone of the economy, despite recent contraction. Export volumes remain significant, mainly to Asia—plans for expansion delayed by global agreements.
Sanctions and mismanagement slowed Venezuela’s output. New deals help exports, mainly to China. The country still has the world’s largest proven reserves. Recovery remains slow until significant investment returns.
Indonesia’s output slips as old wells dry and little new drilling occurs. The country is now a net importer of oil. Local companies work to optimize remaining production. Policy and investment gaps limit significant growth.
Ecuador faces declining production due to strict environmental regulations and pipeline issues. Most oil is exported, but field closures limit future supply: major shutdowns and eco-friendly policies slow growth. Oil remains key to exports and national income.
| Rank | Country | Production (bbl/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | United States | 13,401,000 |
| 3 | Saudi Arabia | 10,815,700 |
| 4 | Russia | 10,750,000 |
| 5 | Canada | 5,500,000 |
| 6 | China | 4,715,000 |
| 7 | Iraq | 4,162,000 |
| 8 | Iran | 4,084,000 |
| 9 | UAE | 3,770,000 |
| 10 | Brazil | 3,630,000 |
| 11 | Kuwait | 2,720,000 |
| 12 | Norway | 2,026,000 |
| 13 | Mexico | 1,905,500 |
| 14 | Kazakhstan | 1,897,000 |
| 15 | Qatar | 1,815,100 |
| 16 | United Kingdom | 1,790,000 |
| 17 | Nigeria | 1,647,000 |
| 18 | Algeria | 1,415,000 |
| 19 | Libya | 1,255,000 |
| 20 | Angola | 1,235,000 |
| 21 | Oman | 1,040,000 |
| 22 | Venezuela | 943,000 |
| 23 | Indonesia | 845,000 |
| 24 | India | 772,000 |
| 25 | Colombia | 765,500 |
| 26 | Azerbaijan | 712,000 |
| 27 | Argentina | 700,000 |
| 28 | Egypt | 661,000 |
| 29 | Guyana | 645,000 |
| 30 | Malaysia | 600,000 |
| 31 | Ecuador | 486,000 |
| 32 | Australia | 445,000 |
| 33 | Thailand | 440,000 |
| 34 | Congo | 275,000 |
| 35 | Turkmenistan | 270,000 |
| 36 | Gabon | 226,000 |
| 37 | Sudan | 200,000 |
| 38 | Vietnam | 190,000 |
| 39 | Ghana | 186,000 |
| 40 | Bahrain | 185,000 |
| 41 | South Sudan | 160,000 |
| 42 | Italy | 150,000 |
| 43 | Chad | 140,000 |
| 44 | Germany | 135,000 |
| 45 | Peru | 123,000 |
| 46 | Pakistan | 101,000 |
| 47 | Brunei | 100,000 |
| 48 | South Africa | 100,000 |
| 49 | Syria | 95,000 |
| 50 | Turkey | 89,000 |
| 51 | France | 82,000 |
| 52 | Equatorial Guinea | 79,000 |
| 53 | Netherlands | 76,100 |
| 54 | Romania | 75,000 |
| 55 | Yemen | 70,200 |
| 56 | Denmark | 70,000 |
| 57 | Uzbekistan | 67,000 |
| 58 | Bolivia | 66,000 |
| 59 | Cameroon | 65,000 |
| 60 | Ukraine | 60,000 |
| 61 | Trinidad and Tobago | 54,000 |
| 62 | Spain | 50,000 |
| 63 | Tunisia | 45,000 |
| 64 | Cuba | 40,000 |
| 65 | South Korea | 38,000 |
| 66 | Belarus | 35,000 |
| 67 | Ivory Coast | 35,000 |
| 68 | Hungary | 35,000 |
| 69 | Papua New Guinea | 31,000 |
| 70 | Senegal | 30,000 |
| 71 | Poland | 28,500 |
| 72 | DR Congo | 22,000 |
| 73 | Austria | 20,000 |
| 74 | Mongolia | 17,000 |
| 75 | Israel | 15,000 |
| 76 | Suriname | 15,000 |
| 77 | Albania | 14,000 |
| 78 | New Zealand | 14,000 |
| 79 | Serbia | 13,000 |
| 80 | Philippines | 10,500 |
| 81 | Croatia | 10,000 |
| 82 | Myanmar | 8,000 |
| 83 | Kyrgyzstan | 6,200 |
| 84 | Guatemala | 6,000 |
| 85 | Niger | 6,000 |
| 86 | Timor-Leste | 5,000 |
| 87 | Japan | 3,500 |
| 88 | Bangladesh | 3,000 |
| 89 | Chile | 2,300 |
| 90 | Greece | 1,500 |
| 91 | Czech Republic | 1,400 |
| 92 | Barbados | 1,000 |
| 93 | Bulgaria | 1,000 |
| 94 | Belize | 800 |
| 95 | Lithuania | 700 |
| 96 | Tajikistan | 300 |
| 97 | Georgia | 200 |
| 98 | Taiwan | 200 |
| 99 | Jordan | 100 |
| 100 | Slovakia | 100 |






