The discovery and utilization of petroleum have significantly shaped the modern world, particularly the transportation sector. While many associate oil production with Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia or the UAE, the first-ever commercial oil well was actually drilled in Azerbaijan, a Muslim-majority country in Central Asia. This historic milestone occurred in 1846, marking the beginning of a transformative era in the energy sector. By 2022, Azerbaijan’s petroleum industry was producing around 33 million tons of oil, solidifying its position as the world's first oil-producing country. The Bibiheybat oil field near Baku played a crucial role in this development, with additional key fields such as Balakhani, Surkhani, and Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli contributing to the country's output.
By the end of the 19th century, Azerbaijan had emerged as the global leader in oil production, accounting for nearly half of the world’s oil supply by 1899. The post-World War II discovery of the Gyurgyani Denis oil field led to offshore oil production, further establishing Azerbaijan as a regional energy powerhouse. Today, the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), headquartered in Baku, remains a key player in the country’s economy. With estimated oil reserves of approximately 7 billion barrels, Azerbaijan continues to be a major exporter of oil and natural gas in the Caspian Sea region, playing a vital role in the global energy market.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Velit omnis animi et iure laudantium vitae, praesentium optio, sapiente distinctio illo?