For the second time, Oman extended the lockdowns on two regions severely impacted by the coronavirus.
The lockdowns in Dhofar governorate and Masirah island were first extended to July 17 but now have been extended until further notice following the surge of new cases. On July 14, Oman posted the highest number of deaths on July 14 and the daily cases peaked on July 13.
Dhofar and Masirah island are now the only areas where lockdowns remain in place.
The country’s transport fuel demand was hit further by the prolonged restriction. Oman's National Center of Statistics and Information (NCSI) said that at the peak of lockdowns in April, domestic 95R gasoline sales dropped to 17,200 bpd, down by 43% month-on-month. Gasoil sales slumped by 10% to 34,800 bpd.
In May, gasoline demand inched up to 23,050 bpd but for gasoil, the demand was still stable.
State-owned refiner Orpic had to adjust output at its refineries.
