Turkey’s Gabar Field Boosts Domestic Oil Output, Reducing Import Dependence
The Gabar oil field in Şırnak now yields roughly 83,300 barrels per day, outpacing Turkey’s total crude production in 2022 and shaving volume from imports.
Turkey’s oil search, dating back to the 1930s and formalised with the creation of TPAO in 1954, intensified after the 2017 National Energy and Mining Policy aimed to boost domestic hydrocarbon output. Seismic work at Mount Gabar in Şırnak in 2020 led to drilling that began delivering oil in 2021, and the field now produces a record 83,300 barrels per day, surpassing the country’s total output of roughly 65,000 barrels in 2022.
Cumulative production has exceeded 50 million barrels, generating about $2 billion annually and easing pressure on the import bill and current-account deficit. The development has created more than 3,500 jobs and spurred infrastructure growth in a region previously linked to security challenges. Exploration continues across Şırnak, Batman, Adıyaman, Hakkari, Van and Diyarbakır, with 2025 drilling uncovering 62 million barrels of new reserves and plans for 282 on-shore and 18 offshore wells in 2026, including tight-oil projects in Diyarbakır. While Gabar will not eliminate Turkey’s oil imports, it strengthens energy security and showcases growing domestic expertise.
Why it matters
Gabar’s output cuts Turkey’s oil import bill and creates jobs, boosting energy security and the economy.
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