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History

This section highlights the key milestones in the development of the energy sector, shedding light on the important historical stages that have shaped its journey, reflecting its pivotal role in supporting economic development and advancing sustainable transformation.

The Beginning

1926 - 1930

1931 - 1935

1936 - 1940

1941 - 1945

1946 - 1950

1956 - 1960

1966 - 1970

1976 - 1980

1981 - 1985

1996 - 2000

2001 - 2005

2006 - 2010

2016 - 2020

2021 - 2025

1923

Bahrain’s first exploration for oil and minerals

1929

Establishing Bapco by Standard Oil Company of California and commissioning exploration

1932

The first oil was discovered in the Arabian Gulf in well number 1 in Jabal Al-Dukhan, with a flow rate of 400 barrels per hour.

1934

First shipment of 25,000 barrels of crude oil was exported.

1936

Caltex was established as a joint venture between the Standard Oil Company of California (Socal—later Chevron) and The Texas Company

1936

Officially opened the Bahrain Refinery, with a capacity of 10,000 bpd

1945

The A-B Pipeline was extended between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the era of HH the Late Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. It was then the longest commercial line in the world.

1948

Discovery of natural gas in Bahrain

1959

Generating electricity using natural gas. The first natural gas-fired power plant in the Gulf was inaugurated in the Juffair area.

1968

Bapco embarked on a refinery expansion program that helped boost its capacity to 250,000 barrels a day

1976

The Bahrain National Oil Company (BANOCO) was formed.

1979

The Bahrain National Gas Company (Banagas) and Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) are formed.

1980

Establishment of the Supreme Oil Council headed by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the former Prime Minister.

1982

The Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) assumes full and direct responsibility for the oil and gas production operations from the Bahrain field.

1985

The Bahrain Aviation Fuelling Company launches (BAFCO).

1997

Bahrain Refinery became fully owned by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

1999

Merging the Bahrain National Oil Company and the Bahrain Petroleum Company B.S.C.

2005

The National Oil and Gas Authority was established by royal decree to regulate and develop energy sector.

2007

Formation of Nogaholding unified resources of Bahrain

2009

Expansion continues with the establishment of Tatweer Petroleum

2018

A new pipeline between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is operational, replacing the old pipeline that has been in use for over 70 years.

2021

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued Royal Decree No. 99/2021 abolishing the National Oil and Gas Authority. The Ministry of Oil and Environment shall assume all responsibilities and functions previously carried out by the National Oil and Gas Authority.

2023

Unifying the corporate identity and launching "Bapco Energies," an integrated energy group.

2024

His Majesty the King inaugurates Bapco Modernization Project (BMP).

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Content last updated: 05 Jul, 2026