Russia main oil supplier to the Netherlands

The Netherlands imported more than 48 million tons of crude petroleum in 2003, 2 percent more than in 2002. More than one fifth of imported crude petroleum came from Russia. This means that Russia has taken the place of the United Kingdom as the main supplier to the Netherlands.

Highest import prices in 1984 and 1985

The 48 million tons of crude petroleum imported in 2003 were worth a total 8.8 billion euro. The average import price was 181 euro per ton. This is similar to the price in 2002, when Dutch importers paid an average 186 euro a ton.

In the first half of the eighties import prices of petroleum were around 300 euro a ton. The price was highest in 1984 and 1985, when importers paid an average 310 euro per ton.

Average import price of crude petroleum

Less and less oil from OPEC countries

In 2003 37 percent of crude petroleum imported into the Netherlands came from so-called OPEC countries. Increasing oil imports from Russia, Norway and the UK have pushed down the share of oil from OPEC countries. In 1975 nearly all crude oil (98 percent) came from the OPEC countries.

Share of OPEC countries in imports of crude petroleum

Top five oil suppliers

Russia was the largest supplier of crude petroleum to the Netherlands, with 11 million tons representing a value of 1.9 billion euro. The volume was 43 percent up on that in 2002. Saudi Arabia, the UK, Norway and Kuwait make up the rest of the top five countries exporting oil to the Netherlands.

Top five oil suppliers

Wiel Packbier

Source: Statline