GCC Statistical Center: Global demand for Gulf crude oil grew by 3.1% annually since 2021
A report by the GCC Center for Statistics highlights the growth in production and exports of Gulf oil and gas.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
Indicators from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Statistical Center showed that the average annual growth rate of global demand for crude oil by GCC countries reached 3.1 percent during the period from 2021 to 2025.
In a report issued today, Monday, on the "GCC Energy Sector 2025," the Center stated that crude oil production in GCC countries rose by 5 percent last year compared to 2024, reaching 16.7 million barrels per day, equivalent to 22.5 percent of global production, reflecting the "continued GCC weight in the international energy supply system."
Regarding exports, the Center noted that crude oil exports from GCC countries reached 12.2 million barrels per day in 2025, accounting for 27.3 percent of global crude oil exports. This reinforces the region’s role in meeting international market needs and underscores the importance of stable GCC supplies amid transformations in global energy markets.
On the natural gas sector, the Center mentioned that GCC production reached approximately 460.9 billion cubic meters, representing 10.6 percent of global gas production. This highlights the importance of GCC gas resources in meeting global energy demand, alongside the role of gas in supporting manufacturing industries and related economic activities.
The Center pointed out that crude oil production data show disparities in production levels during the 2021–2025 period. Production stood at 16 million barrels per day in 2021, rose to 18.2 million barrels per day in 2022, then recorded 17 million barrels per day in 2023 and 16.1 million barrels per day in 2024, before increasing to 16.9 million barrels per day in 2025.
Alongside the pivotal role of oil and gas, the Center emphasized that GCC countries are moving toward reshaping the energy system by expanding renewable energy sources, improving consumption efficiency, and enhancing clean energy projects. These efforts contribute to reducing emissions and achieving a balance between economic growth requirements and environmental preservation.
The Center noted that these trends are evident in the announced national targets for the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, which vary among GCC countries in terms of target percentages and timeframes.
