Turnover in oil and gas, manufacturing, mining and electricity supply, April 2003

Within Norwegian oil- and gas extraction turnover fell by approximately 8 per cent in April compared with the same month a year before. This was a result of both lower production and lower prices in April.

Turnover for intermediate goods decline

Intermediate goods dropped 4.6 per cent in the period from January to April compared to the same period last year. Apart from basic metals and other non-metallic mineral products, all industries within the main industrial grouping had a lower turnover in the period. Basic chemicals experienced the largest decrease in turnover.

Consumer goods also in decline

Consumer goods (food and food products, textiles, wearing apparel, leather and publishing, printing and reproduction) had a 5.8 per cent decrease in turnover in the four-month-period in relation to the same period in 2002. Lower turnover for food and food products was the main contributor to the decline, but there was overall negative tendencies in turnover for consumer goods. The reduction within food and food products was mainly due to continued weak turnover in the production and preservation of fish and fish products.

Lower turnover for capital goods

Industries producing capital goods (transport equipment, fabricated metal products and machinery and equipment n.e.c) also experienced a decline in the period from January to April compared with last year. The decline is however somewhat slighter than for intermediate- and consumer goods. Realization of several large contracts within transport equipment in April subdued the decline for capital goods.

Rates and Electricity, gas and steam supply

Year-on-year figures for April should be interpreted cautiously, due to the fact that the Easter holiday was in March last year and in April this year. Long-term financial contracts influence the level in turnover within electricity, gas and steam supply. It is therefore advised to interpret figures with caution.