Gabar becomes Türkiye’s oil base, surpassing production of 80K barrels per day

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that the Gabar oil field in Sirnak has surpassed 80,000 barrels per day in oil production, solidifying its role as Türkiye’s oil base.

Minister Bayraktar highlighted the field’s growing significance in reducing the country’s reliance on foreign energy resources.

“We believe that Gabar has become Türkiye’s oil base. It will continue to grow and expand,” Bayraktar said.

Bayraktar made the announcement during a visit to the field with 14 university students from engineering faculties in Istanbul and Ankara.

Accompanied by officials from Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), he was briefed on the progress at the site and praised the efficiency and quality of production at Gabar.

In a social media post on X, Bayraktar stated, “It’s time for complete independence not only in energy but also in technology! With the Koca Yusuf Drilling Tower, which is domestic and powerful as its name suggests, domestic production is increasing and external dependency is decreasing.”

“Koca Yusuf, whose design and production bear the signature of Turkish engineers, sows new hopes and adds new goals every day for a fully independent Türkiye with national energy,” he added.

Gabar’s role in Türkiye’s energy independence

Minister Bayraktar emphasized that the discovery at Gabar, which began in 2021, has been a game-changer for Türkiye’s energy landscape.

The field is now producing significant quantities of oil, with 99 wells contributing to the current output, estimated to generate approximately $2.3 billion annually.

He also noted that the project is not only critical for energy production but also for Türkiye’s economic and social development, particularly in a region that has faced challenges in the past.

“In a very short time, we are pleased to have reached over 80,000 barrels per day in production as of today,” Bayraktar stated.

Innovation with ‘Koca Yusuf’ drilling rig

One of the key factors in Gabar’s success is the “Koca Yusuf” drilling rig, which was designed and built entirely by Turkish engineers.

This drilling rig represents a significant achievement in Türkiye’s energy sector, furthering the country’s goal of reducing dependence on foreign technology.

“The Koca Yusuf rig is a symbol of our commitment to reducing dependency on foreign equipment,” Bayraktar explained. “Our localization efforts in the energy sector continue to grow.”

Gabar’s growing potential

Bayraktar expressed confidence that Gabar’s output will continue to increase, with plans to expand operations and explore new production areas.

He highlighted that the region’s potential is enormous, and the government is committed to ongoing development. “We believe that Gabar will continue to grow, and this oil field is a critical asset for Türkiye’s energy future,” Bayraktar said.