World oil consumption in 1990 fell for the first time since 1983, data compiled by British Petroleum Co. plc show.
The BP Statistical Review of World Energy pegs world consumption at 64.68 million b/d last year, down 0.2% from 1989. The slip reflects weaker economic growth, mild weather in Europe and the U.S., and a marked decrease in consumption in the U.S.S.R. and eastern Europe, where demand fell by 8.2%.
But there was sustained growth in Asia, where consumption rose by 5.8% with Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand all showing hefty increases in consumption. Asia and Australasia combined consumed more oil than western Europe for the first time.
Liquids production-crude oil, shale oil, oilsands, and natural gas liquids-rose 1.4% to 64.875 million b/d. Spot prices for Brent crude during 1990 averaged $23.81/bbl, a $5.60 increase from 1989. Similar prices for West Texas intermediate averaged $24.52/bbl, up $4.84.
World gas consumption increased by 2% to 1.738 billion metric tons of oil equivalent. Again, the biggest increases were in Asia, where consumption increased by 9.2% to 111 million metric tons of oil equivalent.
Natural gas production hit a record 1.762 billion metric tons of oil equivalent, an increase of 2% from 1989. BP said that higher crude oil prices strengthened the competitive position of gas, which continued to be the preferred fuel on environmental grounds.
World primary energy consumption rose a scant 0.4% in 1990 in response to sluggish economic growth in the developed world and higher oil prices.
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