Oil production actually declined in 2006 and 2007 as
some of the major producing fields came off their peaks.
In particular, the Bach Ho (White Tiger) field — the country’s
largest, accounting for half its production — has been
declining. After running above 400,000 barrels a day in
2004, Vietnamese oil production declined to 362,000 barrels
a day in 2006. The U.S. Energy Information Agency
believes production will once again top 400,000 barrels a
day in 2008.