Index of industrial production, February 2001

The production of gas from the Norwegian Continental Shelf was about 30 per cent lower in February than in January this year. The production is dependent on the variation in the demand within existing contracts on delivery of gas to Europe. The price of gas has been on a high level during the winter, and large amounts have been supplied in December last year and January this year. Altogether the oil and gas extraction was somewhat lower than in the same period last year according to weekly adjusted figures.

Changes in manufacturing from January to February

Seasonally adjusted figures for February still show a great variation between the different industries within manufacturing. The production of food, beverages and tobacco has had about a two per cent increase, according to seasonally adjusted figures. The increase is mainly due to a low production in January of fish and fish products and seasonal variations. The production in the pulp, paper and paper product industry had about one per cent increase, due to an increased production capacity and in general good demand. Oil platforms and modules and transport equipment also had a small increase, due to an increased demand during the last year. The production of ships is the main source for the modest increase in the transport equipment industry. The change in the oil platforms and module industry is still on a low level, and several companies are still having workers on leave. Extraordinary operating problems have reduced the output in the oil refinery industry. This is the reason for the negative figures for refined petroleum products and chemical products, even though there has been a modest increase in the production of chemical products.

Changes the last 12 months

There has been no change in the output within manufacturing when comparing February this year with figures from the last year, according to weekly adjusted figures. The pulp and paper industry, publishing and printing, basic chemical and machinery industries have had increases in the production in the period. The basic metal industry and the oil platform industry have had clear decreases in the output since February last year. Parts of the basic metal industry have problems getting sufficient raw material, which has reduced the total output within the industry.