The search for petroleum in the Sultanate of Oman – the first 120 years

Abstract

This is a story of failure and success, of disappointment and elation. World wars, a market glutted with cheap oil and geologists unable to access areas of interest hampered the search. Early expeditions provided the first maps of the mountains and Dhofar, and glimpses of the geology of the interior, but no evidence of oil. Geological and geophysical surveys began in earnest in the 1950s, leading to the first exploratory drilling and the discovery of heavy oil at Marmul. Commercial oil was discovered a few years later at Fahud and Natih. All Oman's largest oilfields were found over the next 20 years based on 2D seismic data. Early concessions were large and ill-defined. More companies became involved as interest grew in exploration offshore and as acreage was relinquished onshore. Although gas was encountered as a byproduct of oil activities, exploration for gas did not begin until 1984 when it became apparent that the known accumulations were insufficient for future needs. Large accumulations of gas and condensate were subsequently discovered in central Oman. Petroleum continues to underpin the economy of the Sultanate as it strives to diversify and decarbonize. Useful lessons can be learned from the search so far.