Tunisian Hydrocarbon Reserves and Production

important facts:

=Oil=

Tunisia's hydrocarbon industry is of modest size compared to neighbouring countries. With proven oil reserves amounting to 0.4 billion barrels and national crude production at an average of 65,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2012, Tunisia has approximately a 0.1 percent share in both global reserves and production. While oil production had already been on decline from its peak of 120,000 bpd in the mid-1980s, production figures stood considerably higher prior to the ouster of former President Ben Ali, at 80,000 bpd in 2010.

Nevertheless as of 2011 oil rents constituted 4.3 percent of Tunisia's GDP (compared to 3.3 percent in 2009), according to the World Bank.

exploration dates back to 1894

oil first found in 1964, with El Borma field

upstream industry is modest compared to neighbouring countries

leading to arab spring: average of 80,000 bpd, 0,1 of global supply

2010 oil rents: 4,4 of GDP, value of US$161.2 million

50% of production in El Borma and Achart fields

=Gas=

2008: 1.8 trillion cubic feet reserves

two thirds located offshore around Miskar field

other major field is onshore Franig field

production increased from 81.70 billion cubic feet in 2000 to 91.30 bcf in 2009, but none is exported

shale gas: EIA estimated 18 trillion cubic feet of shale gas resources in Ghadames basin, minor amount compared to 290 tcf believed to exist in Libya and 21 tcf in Algeria.

=References=