The output of crude oil and condensates in June reached 1.39 million tonnes, bringing the total volume in the first half of 2009 to 8.65 million tonnes, a rise of 20 percent over the same period last year, the National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) announced on June 18.

During this period, Vietnam exported 8.35 million tonnes of crude oil, a 18 percent increase over the first half of 2008.

However, earnings from exports were only 3.38 billion USD, a fall of 2.22 billion USD compared to the same period last year due to the world’s oil price being halved to 54 USD per barrel.

To ensure the plan for 2009, PetroVietnam will continue to work with other contractors to explore for oil to increase oil reserves to 35-40 million tonnes.

Measures will also be taken to achieve a yearly output of 24 million tonnes of oil equivalent, including 16 million tonnes of crude and 8 billion m3 of gas.

The industry has targeted exporting 12.05 million tonnes of crude oil and condensates and provide 3.5 million of crude oil for the Dung Quat oil refinery.

From now until the end of the year, PetroVietnam plans to put into operation two more domestic oil fields, the Nam Rong-Doi Moi in the fourth quarter, and the Peal field in September, plus two oil fields in Malaysia : the D30 on October 30 and the Dana (block SK 305) on November 30./.