In 1989, most exploration and development activity indicators showed a decrease in western Europe compared with 1988. The increase in area under license observed in 1988 continued through 1989 (it was up 2%), but the resurgence in seismic activity in 1988 was not followed through in 1989 when line-kilometers recorded fell back by 8.9% to 1987 levels. Exploratory well completions decreased by 13%, whereas exploratory meters drilled showed an 8.3% decline. Seventy significant discoveries were made from an estimated 300 new-field wildcats drilled--a success rate of more than 23%. Forty-one of these discoveries (59%) were made offshore northwest Europe. Development drilling activity showed a slightly smaller decrease than exploratory drilling with completions down 8.5 and meters drilled down 6.4%.

Production of oil and condensate declined 2.1% in western Europe, but gas production increased 3.8%. A similar trend was evident in eastern Europe and USSR, where oil and condensate production declined by 3.1% but gas production rose by 2.7%.