Frequently Asked Questions

How much oil is produced in Alaska and where does it go?

Alaska's crude oil production peaked in 1988 at about 738 million barrels, which was equal to about 25% of total U.S. oil production. In 2011, it was about 209 million barrels, or about 10% of total U.S. production.

Since the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System from the North Slope of Alaska was finished in 1977, about 97% of total Alaskan production has come from the North Slope. The rest comes from Southern Alaska.

Most Alaskan crude oil has gone to refineries in Alaska, California, Hawaii, and Washington. Relatively small amounts were shipped to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and foreign countries.

Export of crude oil transported in the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System was banned until 1996. Between 1996 and 2004, a total of about 95.49 million barrels of crude oil, equal to 2.7% of Alaskan production during that period, was exported to foreign countries. As of March 2012, no Alaskan oil has been exported since 2004.

Alaskan Oil Exports 1996 to 2004
Destination	Amount (in million barrels)
South Korea	46.15
Japan	24.51
China	16.52
Taiwan	8.31
Total Exports	95.49
Total Alaskan Production 1996 to 2004	= 3,549 million barrels