October 13, 2001	Saturday	Rajab 25, 1422

WASHINGTON, Oct 12: Saudi Arabia kept its post as the largest supplier of crude oil to the American market in August, posting its first increase in shipments since May, the US Energy Information Administration said on Thursday.

Saudi oil deliveries to the United States, which averaged 1.816 million barrels per day (bpd) in August, rose 7.9 per cent from 1.683 million bpd the month before, based on preliminary numbers from importing firms.

Mexico was the second largest crude supplier to the United States as exports jumped 6.5 per cent to 1.403 million bpd from 1.317 million bpd in the prior month. Venezuela fell one spot as exports slumped 7.1 per cent to 1.342 million bpd.

Total US oil imports were 9.092 million bpd in August, down 3.3 per cent from 9.406 million bpd the month before.