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Crude oil production across Asia Pacific in 2026 is estimated at approximately 1.7 to 1.9 million barrels per day, reflecting a structurally mixed region that combines limited upstream production with high import dependence. Regional supply dynamics are shaped by mature producing basins, declining legacy fields and selective offshore developments, while consumption requirements are largely met through seaborne imports.
Production capacity is concentrated in a small number of countries with established upstream assets, while the majority of Asia Pacific economies rely on imports from the Middle East, Russia, Africa and the Americas. Refining capacity expansion across the region continues to influence crude sourcing patterns, favouring medium and heavy grades compatible with complex refinery configurations.
Refining, petrochemical feedstock and power generation applications anchor crude oil utilisation. Buyers prioritise supply security, grade compatibility and logistics reliability.
Medium and heavy grades dominate refinery intake due to growing complexity and residue upgrading capacity. Condensates support petrochemical integration, particularly in Northeast Asia.
Upstream production plays a secondary role compared with import handling and refining integration. Process focus centres on crude slate optimisation, storage management and throughput flexibility.
Fuel production represents the dominant outlet, followed by petrochemical feedstock use in integrated refining and chemical complexes. Power and industrial uses provide secondary demand.
China remains the largest crude oil importer in the region, supported by expanding refining and petrochemical capacity.
India relies heavily on imports, sourcing diverse crude grades to feed complex refineries.
Southeast Asia combines declining domestic production with rising import requirements.
Australia maintains limited production and depends strongly on imported crude.
Japan and South Korea are fully import dependent with highly complex refining systems.
Asia Pacific crude oil supply relies on long-distance maritime trade supported by ports, storage terminals and pipelines. Crude pricing exposure is driven by global benchmarks, freight rates and geopolitical risk premiums. Storage and blending play a critical role in managing supply continuity.
Trade flows are heavily oriented toward Middle Eastern exporters, with increasing diversification toward the Americas and Africa to manage supply risk.
The Asia Pacific crude oil ecosystem includes upstream producers, national oil companies, international suppliers, refiners, traders, shipping operators and governments. Strategic themes focus on import diversification, refinery upgrading, energy security and gradual transition toward lower-carbon energy systems.
Long-term planning emphasises balancing near-term crude reliance with energy transition objectives.
Crude oil production in Asia Pacific in 2026 is estimated at approximately 1.7 to 1.9 million barrels per day, with most regional demand met through imports.
The region is highly dependent on imports because domestic production is limited, mature fields are declining and refining capacity far exceeds upstream output.
Complex refineries favour medium and heavy crude grades that maximise conversion yields and processing efficiency.
Geopolitical factors affect supply through shipping route risks, sanctions exposure and regional tensions that influence freight availability and pricing.
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Asia Pacific Crude Oil Production Capacity and Growth Outlook
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