The line graph illustrates changes in daily oil production in four regions, namely the Middle East, Africa, North America and Asia, between 1960 and 2000. The figures are measured in millions of barrels per day.
Overall, oil production increased in all four regions over the period. The Middle East experienced the most significant growth and became the largest oil-producing region by 2000, while Asia consistently recorded the lowest output for most of the period.
In 1960, the Middle East produced approximately 20 million barrels of oil per day, compared with around 15 million in Africa. Both regions experienced an upward trend over the following decades, although Africa’s production fluctuated considerably. After reaching a peak of about 29 million barrels per day in 1970, African output fell to approximately 22 million in 1980 before recovering sharply to around 35 million in 1990 and 40 million by 2000.
Meanwhile, oil production in the Middle East rose steadily from 20 million barrels per day in 1960 to approximately 24 million in 1970. It then increased significantly to around 38 million in 1980 and 42 million in 1990, before reaching a peak of approximately 55 million barrels per day in 2000.
North America also recorded substantial growth, with production climbing from about 5 million barrels per day in 1960 to 18 million in 1970. The figure rose further to approximately 26 million in 1980 and then increased more gradually, reaching around 32 million by the end of the period. Similarly, Asia’s oil production grew steadily, from roughly 5 million barrels per day in 1960 to 20 million in 2000, remaining the lowest among the four regions throughout the final two decades.