Oman’s Jet Fuel Output Rises 10.9%: What This Means for Aviation Investors and Businesses
MUSCAT: Oman’s refining sector showed mixed performance in the first four months of 2026, with gains in jet fuel and petrochemical production counterbalancing declines in gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), according to preliminary figures from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
Production of regular petrol (91 octane) dropped 7.9% year-on-year to 5.33 million barrels by the end of April, while premium petrol (95 octane) output fell 3% to 4.28 million barrels. Despite this production decrease, domestic demand remained stable, with regular petrol sales marginally rising by 0.2% and premium petrol sales increasing by 6.5%.
Diesel production decreased by 3.3% to 23.7 million barrels. Diesel domestic sales experienced a significant decline of 40.1%, reaching 3.34 million barrels, with exports also falling 9.5% to 18.19 million barrels.
Conversely, jet fuel production surged 10.9% to 8.86 million barrels, driven by stronger aviation activity. Correspondingly, jet fuel sales grew 14.8% to 1.43 million barrels, while exports rose 13.4% to 7.32 million barrels.
LPG production declined by 4.9% to 3.6 million barrels, accompanied by decreases in sales and exports by 18.8% and 6.1%, respectively.
Naphtha production grew by 2.9% to 12.38 million barrels, with domestic sales increasing by 9.1%. However, exports slightly decreased by 1.9%.
In the petrochemical sector, benzene production climbed to 67,700 metric tonnes from 59,500 tonnes a year earlier, with exports up 10.1%. Paraxylene output increased to 213,700 tonnes, although exports declined by 5.3%.
Polypropylene production fell sharply by 25.7% to 76,300 metric tonnes, and exports decreased by 21.7%. Nevertheless, domestic sales rose by 17.5%, reflecting stronger local demand.
These figures underscore continued robust demand for aviation-related fuels and specific petrochemical products, despite softness in some refined fuel production and export segments. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s refining sector indicates shifting dynamics with robust aviation fuel demand and selective petrochemical growth juxtaposed against declining gasoline, diesel, and LPG outputs. For businesses, this signals opportunities in expanding aviation fuel and petrochemical markets, while urging caution in traditional fuel segments facing reduced exports and production. Smart investors should consider diversifying into high-growth areas like jet fuel and specialized petrochemicals to capitalize on resilient domestic demand and evolving export patterns.
