The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources' latest information publication, Western Australian Oil and Gas Industry 2002, shows that in 2001, the value of petroleum sales increased by 0.25 per cent and sales volume increased by seven per cent. This followed a record increase in the value of sales of 106 per cent in 2000. Sales in this sector have increased an average of 14.5 per cent each year since 1990.

State Development Minister Clive Brown welcomed the result, saying it was very pleasing for WA during a year in which world crude oil prices fell 15 per cent and energy demand was weaker.

"WA is the key producer of oil and gas in Australia, supplying around 55 per cent of Australia's total oil and condensate and all of its LNG," Mr Brown said.

The sector is of particular importance to Western Australians, generating 37 per cent of our State's resource sector sales and paying nearly $500million to the State in royalties."

The key overseas markets for WA's petroleum exports in 2001 were Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States.

Mr Brown said this week's announcement of WA winning the huge $25billion contract to sell liquefied natural gas to China would only further the State's reputation as a key global petroleum producer in the coming years.

"Access to abundant gas reserves will enable the State to grow and evolve as world demand for this product increases," he said.

"LNG is certain to become a major revenue source for the State in the future."

To access statistics and other reference information on major petroleum projects in WA, refer to the Western Australian Oil and Gas Industry 2002.

Copies are available from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Information Centre at Mineral House, 100 Plain Street, East Perth or by visiting the MPR website at http://www.mpr.wa.gov.au/investment/html/sectrep.htm