Oman Refining Sector Shows Mixed Performance in April 2026

Oman’s refining and petrochemical sector showed mixed performance in April 2026, according to preliminary data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), with notable growth in aviation fuel and select petrochemical outputs alongside declines in several key fuel categories.

Automotive fuel production recorded an overall decline of 5.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2025, although refinery output rose sharply by 86.2 per cent in April.

Regular automotive fuel (91) production fell by 7.9 per cent to 5.33 million barrels, while sales edged up 0.2 per cent and exports increased 2.8 per cent.

Premium fuel (95) production declined 3 per cent to 4.28 million barrels, but sales rose 6.5 per cent, while exports dropped 32.8 per cent.

Diesel (gas oil) output decreased by 3.3 per cent to 23.7 million barrels. Sales fell sharply by 40.1 per cent, and exports declined 9.5 per cent.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production dropped 4.9 per cent, with sales down 18.8 per cent and exports falling 6.1 per cent.

In contrast, aviation fuel posted strong growth, with production rising 10.9 per cent to 8.86 million barrels.

Sales increased 14.8 per cent and exports climbed 13.4 per cent, reflecting stronger external demand.

Naphtha production rose 2.9 per cent to 12.38 million barrels, while sales increased 9.1 per cent. However, exports edged down 1.9 per cent.

Other refinery products saw marginal production growth of 0.1 per cent, though sales dropped significantly by 71.3 per cent, while exports rose 20.4 per cent.

In petrochemicals, benzene production increased to 67,700 metric tons, with exports up 10.1 per cent.

Paraxylene production rose to 213,700 metric tonnes, though exports declined 5.3 per cent.

Polypropylene recorded a sharp 25.7 per cent drop in production to 76,300 metric tons, despite a 17.5 per cent increase in sales; exports fell 21.7 per cent.

Overall, the data highlights diverging trends across Oman’s downstream energy sector, with strong aviation fuel and selected petrochemical gains offset by declines in diesel, LPG, and several refined product segments.