Yemen's oil industry has had a complex and evolving history. Oil was first discovered in Yemen in the early 1980s, with commercial production beginning in 1986. The initial excitement about Yemen's potential as an oil producer was driven by significant discoveries in the Marib-Shabwah Basin, located in the central part of the country. The Marib and Shabwah regions quickly became the heart of Yemen's oil production. By the early 1990s, Yemen was producing around 100,000 barrels per day (bpd), and oil revenues became a crucial component of the national economy.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Yemen attracted international oil companies with its promising prospects and relatively unexplored fields. Companies such as ExxonMobil, Total, and Occidental Petroleum invested heavily in exploration and development. The discovery of new oil fields and the development of infrastructure, including pipelines and export terminals, enabled Yemen to increase its oil production significantly. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Yemen's production peaked at around 450,000 bpd.
However, Yemen's oil industry faced numerous challenges over the following decades. Political instability, including the rise of the Houthi movement and the ongoing conflict that began in 2015, severely impacted oil production and exports. The country's infrastructure was damaged, and many oil fields and facilities became inaccessible or were left in disrepair. The ongoing conflict and security issues led to a steep decline in oil production. By the late 2010s and early 2020s, Yemen's production had decreased to less than 40,000 bpd.
As of the last decade, the number of active oil fields and derricks has been significantly reduced. Around 40 years ago, Yemen had a considerable number of active oil fields and drilling operations, but the exact figures are difficult to pinpoint due to the lack of comprehensive historical records. Currently, the number of active fields is much lower, with many fields either dormant or operating at a reduced capacity due to the conflict and lack of maintenance. The exact number of active derricks has also decreased, reflecting the reduced scale of production and exploration activities.
The depletion of Yemen's oil reserves is a concern, but estimates on how soon the oil will be exhausted vary. Some reports suggest that Yemen's oil fields could be depleted within a few decades if current extraction rates continue. The exact timeline is uncertain due to the challenges in maintaining and operating the fields amid ongoing conflict.
The largest oil and gas fields in Yemen include the Marib, Shabwah, and Al-Jawf fields. The Marib field was one of the most significant, with production peaking at over 200,000 bpd in the 1990s. The Shabwah field has also been a major contributor to Yemen's oil output, with its production reaching substantial levels before the onset of conflict. The Al-Jawf field, discovered later, added to Yemen's oil resources, though its production has been more variable. The size and exact production figures of these fields have fluctuated over the years due to the impact of conflict and operational challenges.
Field Acronyms
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.
Alif Field, Yemen, Discovered 1985, Giant Field
Masila Complex Field, Yemen, Discovered 1990, Giant Field
Yah Field, Yemen, Discovered 1985, Giant Field
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