HC Deb 03 August 1978 vol 955 c567W
Mr. Park

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the total volume of oil imports into the United Kingdom in 1966 and 1967 and at the latest available date; and what percentage was derived from each of the oil-producing countries.

Mr. Meacher

Total imports of petroleum and petroleum products (SITC(R) Division 33) during 1966, 1967 and the period January-May 1978 were 93.2, 98.5 and 33.6 million tonnes respectively. The percentage distribution by country of consignment was as follows:

Per cent.
January May 1978 1967 1966
Kuwait 15.88 12.65 17.59
Saudi Arabia 15.42 10.58 7.16
Iran 11.95 17.74 5.06
Iraq 9.28 3.55 11.24
Soviet Union 5.26 0.03 0.02
Norway 4.52 0.01 0.02
Libya 3.16 10.83 10.87
Dubai 3.04
Abu Dhabi 2.62 0.93 1.89
Nigeria 2.09 4.55 7.70
Venezuela 1.44 9.08 8.74
Oman 0.69 0.14
Trinidad and Tobago 0.36 1.06 1.46
Algeria 0.77 1.89
Qatar 0.30 0.61 2.91
Other countries 23.99 27.47 23.45

Notes:

(a) Details of imports by country of origin in 1966 and 1967 are not available, and volume information by individual country on this basis for the period January to May 1978 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

(b) In the six months ended June 1978 United Kingdom imports of petroleum and petroleum products were 38.9 million tonnes. Details by individual country are not yet available.