Myanmar's oil industry has a long history that dates back to the early 20th century. The country's first significant oil discovery was made in the early 1900s in the Yenangyaung region, which remains one of Myanmar's most notable oil-producing areas. During the British colonial period, Myanmar, then Burma, saw substantial development in its oil industry, and production became a critical part of the local and national economy.
By the 1970s and 1980s, Myanmar's oil industry was relatively active, with numerous oil fields and drilling operations across the country. During this period, the country had several significant oil fields, including the well-known Yenangyaung, Chauk, and the Kyaukse fields. These fields were characterized by numerous active oil derricks, reflecting the country's ongoing commitment to oil exploration and production. The oil industry played a crucial role in Myanmar's economy, contributing to both domestic energy needs and export revenues.
However, the prominence of Myanmar's oil industry has diminished over the years due to a combination of factors. Political instability, international sanctions, and a shift in focus to natural gas have contributed to the decline in oil production. In recent decades, Myanmar has seen a transition in its energy sector from primarily oil-focused to a greater emphasis on natural gas. This shift has led to a reduction in the number of active oil fields and derricks.
As of the present day, Myanmar's oil production has decreased significantly compared to its peak periods. The number of active oil fields and derricks is considerably lower than it was 40 years ago. The exact number of active oil fields has fluctuated, but it is clear that the industry has scaled back due to various challenges, including the depletion of easily accessible reserves and the focus on natural gas exploration.
The future of Myanmar's oil industry depends on several factors, including technological advancements, exploration efforts, and economic conditions. While some oil fields may still have potential for production, the overall outlook for oil extraction in Myanmar is uncertain. The remaining reserves are expected to deplete over time, with estimates varying based on exploration and production data. The exact timeline for the depletion of Myanmar's oil resources is difficult to predict, but it is clear that the industry faces challenges in maintaining its previous levels of output.
Regarding the largest oil and gas fields in Myanmar, the country has several notable reserves, with natural gas fields often taking precedence over oil fields. The Yadana and Shwe gas fields, for example, are among the largest and most significant in terms of production and size. The Yadana field, located offshore in the Andaman Sea, is a major source of natural gas for Myanmar and neighboring countries, with substantial production capacity. The Shwe field, also offshore, is another key contributor to Myanmar's energy sector. These fields represent a significant shift from the historical focus on oil to a greater emphasis on natural gas resources.
EUR_MMBOE = Estimated ultimate recovery in million barrels of oil equivalent
Giant oil and gas fields = those with 500 million barrels (79,000,000 m3) of ultimately recoverable oil or gas equivalent.
Super giant oil field = holds equivalent of 5.5bn barrels of oil reserves.
Abbreviation | Description |
---|---|
EUR_MMBOE | Estimated Ultimate Recovery in million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE) |
RSVS_MMBOE | Reserves in million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE) |
EURO_MMBO | Estimated Ultimate Recovery of oil in million barrels of oil (MMBO) |
EURG_TCFG | Estimated Ultimate Recovery of gas in trillion cubic feet of gas (TCFG) |
EURC_MMBO | Estimated Ultimate Recovery of condensate in million barrels of oil (MMBO) |
HL10_MMBOE | Hydrocarbon recovery estimate at a 10% decline rate in million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE) |
HL20_MMBOE | Hydrocarbon recovery estimate at a 20% decline rate in million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE) |
HL50_MMBOE | Hydrocarbon recovery estimate at a 50% decline rate in million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE) |
PRV_USGS_C | Proven reserves or production estimate from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) |
PRV_USGS_N | Name of the basin or area of interest identified by the USGS (San Juan Basin) |
BSN_TELL_C | Basin classification code (e.g., BS000000715) |
BSN_TELL_N | Basin name (Example: San Juan Basin) |
BSN_BALLY | Basin type classification (Example: Type 2) |
RSVR_NAME | Reservoir name (Example: Barnett) |
RSVR_LITH1 | Reservoir lithology or rock type (Example: Shale) |
RSVR_LITH2 | Secondary reservoir lithology (Example:fractured shale) |
ERA | Geological era (Example: Mesozoic) |
SYSTEM | Geological system (Example: Cretaceous) |
SERIES | Geological series (Example: Upper Cretaceous) |
STAGE | Geological stage (Examples: Primary Oil migration) |
AGE_CODE | Geological age code (Example: MZ_CT_U: Mesozoic, Cretaceous, Upper) |
RSVR_DEPFT | Reservoir depth in feet (6065 feet) |
RSVR_DEPKM | Reservoir depth in kilometers (Example: 1.85 km) |
TRAP_CLASS | Trap classification (Example: Stratigraphic) |
TRAP_TYPE | Trap type (Example: Pinch-out) |
TRAP_DESC | Trap description (Example: Porosity wedge, stratigraphic) |
Mya Field, Myanmar, Discovered 2006, Giant Field
Shwe 1 ST1 Field, Myanmar, Discovered 2004, Giant Field
Shwe Phyu 2 Field, Myanmar, Discovered 2005, Giant Field
Yadana Field, Myanmar, Discovered 1990, Giant Field
Yetagun Field, Myanmar, Discovered 1992, Giant Field