Angola’s oil output recorded a further drop in September, albeit of just 2,900 barrels per day, but widened the gap in relation to Nigeria, which remains the main oil producer in Africa, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said.

The monthly OPEC oil market report noted that, based on secondary sources, Angola produced 1.641 million barrels in September, a monthly drop of 2,900 barrels, while Nigeria increased production by 50,800 barrels to 1.855 million barrels.

Angola’s production, based on direct communication, was 1.657 million barrels per day, a monthly drop of 23,000 barrels, with no data from Nigeria in this case.

Still based on direct communication, in August Angola had already lost its place as Africa’s largest oil producer to Nigeria, with production of 1.680 million and 1.742 million barrels per day, respectively.

The same report also showed that Russia, Angola and Saudi Arabia were the main suppliers of oil to China in August, with market shares of 13%, 12% and 11%, respectively.

Chinese oil imports fell by 179,000 barrels a day in August, but remained above 8 million barrels a day. (macauhub)