It gives me great pleasure to introduce this 58th edition of the Annual Statistical Bulletin (ASB).
Since its first publication in 1965, the ASB has evolved into one of the energy industry’s most authoritative collations of oil, gas and energy data — an indispensable reference tool for analysts and academics, policymakers and industry specialists. The ASB’s ever increasing readership and online viewership reflects its status as a highly respected and regularly cited source on oil market data and conditions.
The need for reliable data accuracy to support informed policy and forecasts has never been greater. This is particularly the case in the sphere of public discussions and policy formation related to the energy transitions. Energy as a topic, so central to our daily lives, can often elicit strong opinions, which in some cases feed into policy formation. OPEC firmly holds the belief that policy needs to be grounded in fact, reality and a reading of events as they are, rather than how we may wish them to be.
In this manner, accurate data and impartial oil market analysis plays a crucial role in the policy making process. OPEC is focused on ensuring the quality and reliability of data research. The ASB is a vital component of OPEC fulfilling its mission and contributing to oil market stability, in the interests of producers, consumers and the global economy.
The ASB is the outcome of hard and labour-intensive work involving analysts, researchers and statisticians, both at the OPEC Secretariat and our Member Countries. The fact we have produced another stellar edition of this flagship publication is a collaborative achievement and an outcome of great teamwork.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the staff at the OPEC Secretariat — and all the colleagues and officials in our Member Countries — for their continuous hard work to make this publication possible.