Oil Production by Country by Year: A Look at the Global Energy Landscape

The global economy may be in recession, but when it comes to oil production, some countries are bucking the trend. According to BP's 2010 Statistical Review of World Energy, the global recession has not affected China's thirst for fossil energy, with its oil consumption increasing by 6.7 percent in 2009 compared to a drop in US oil consumption by 4.9 percent.

In fact, China was not the only emerging country with increased emissions of carbon dioxide in 2009. India's carbon dioxide emissions increased by 7 percent, Saudi Arabia's by 5.4 percent, Iran's by 4.6 percent, and Indonesia's by 2.5 percent. Meanwhile, the United States saw a decline in its carbon dioxide emissions by 6.5 percent mainly due to lower energy usage resulting from the recession.

The report also highlights that global proved coal reserves are at their highest levels of all time, totaling 826,001 million tons at the end of 2009. China's oil consumption increased significantly in 2009, with its carbon dioxide emissions growing by 9.1 percent. This is not surprising given the country's rapid industrialization and urbanization.

In contrast, global proved natural gas reserves are also at their highest levels of all time, standing at 6,621 trillion cubic feet at the end of 2009. The United States surpassed Russia as the world's largest producer of natural gas in 2009. Including Canadian oil sands, total oil reserves stand at 1,476 billion barrels.

The report is a valuable snapshot of the global energy landscape and provides important insights for policymakers and energy experts alike. Despite the timing being overshadowed by BP's struggles with the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the information contained within is crucial for understanding the current state of global energy production.

Overall, the picture painted by BP's 2010 Statistical Review of World Energy is one of growth and increasing reliance on fossil fuels in emerging economies like China, India, and others. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, it will be important to continue monitoring these trends and exploring alternatives to meet our energy needs sustainably.

Oil production by country by year