Global oil resources are at times difficult to measure. World oil statistics are available from a variety of sources, but no one can make an accurate prediction of when and where new oil deposits will be found, or how much oil exists in these unknown locations. In order to be able to predict the date when oil supplies will run out, we need to have a grasp of how many supplies currently remain. Future geo-technologies may allow us to better analyze oil deposits, but until then we have to rely on the data we have. Here is a comprehensive listing of research sources for current oil supply statistics.
» Source: Peak Oil Statistics
Confessions of a Statistician
Article by Dr. Sohbet Karbuz, the former head of Non-OECD Energy Statistics Section of the International Energy Agency. Karbuz’s document examines the accuracy of oil statistics and the reliability of oil market forecasts.
EIA International Energy Data and Analysis
The Energy Information Administration’s official and comprehensive energy statistics from the US Government. Includes the Annual Energy Outlook 2006 with Projections to 2030.
You have to purchase updated data, but their sample of statistical oil supply/demand for 2004 looks comprehensive (pdf files). Includes data about production, imports, exports and consumption. Also includes info about the production of oil products.
Fossil Energy and US Petroleum Reserves (DOE)
Some detailed (and updated) chart information about U.S. strategic oil reserves.
Oil Information Data Service
Several difficult to understand databases that list oil supply and demand statistics for OECD countries (including some non-OECD nations). Statistical information on this site is updated yearly in the month of August.
Oil Reserves - Wikipedia
As always, the Wikipedia is one of the most detailed resources for complete information and links to related websites.
Statistical Review of World Energy 2006
A BP Global website with some great statistical data in pdf format. BP has statistics data on oil production, natural gas production, and coal consumption. They also have some interesting tools such as the energy charting tool and conversion calculator.
The Oil Reserve Fallacy
Website that states “Proven reserves are not a measure of future supply”. They have some interesting comparson charts which examine oil supply estimates from four different sources.
WorldOil Industry Statistics
A simple U.S. based listing of statistical charts and forecast research articles, including a monthly chart of US Gas Prices and Trends.
It is quite apparent from this list of top statistics sources that oil supply and production statistics are hard to find and/or understand. This page will be updated as new information resources are found. If you know of any great statistical resources, please send us an email so we can add it to this page (email at bottom of site). You may also leave relevant and useful comments below.