About 100 countries produce crude oil and NGPL(the liquid separated from natural gas during processing that is used in refining petroleum). The United States was the third largest producer of crude oil and NGPLin 2009.

Prior to the fall of the Soviet Union, the USSR was the world’s largest producer. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia claimed the top spot. Russia became the top producer in 2009 with 12.3 percent of the world’s crude oil and NGPL. Saudi Arabia ranked a close second with 12.0 percent.

The data for this week’s snapshot came from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIAcollects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.  To gather more information, go to their website at: http://www.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_impcus_a2_nus_epc0_im0_mbblpd_a.htm