The Changuleh Oil Field is one of Iran’s significant hydrocarbon reservoirs located in the western part of the country. It has drawn considerable attention due to its proximity to the Iraqi border and its geological similarity to the prolific Azadegan and Majnoon oil fields. The field holds strategic importance in Iran’s efforts to boost its crude oil production capacity and maintain energy dominance in the region.
The Changuleh Oil Field is one of Iran’s significant hydrocarbon reservoirs located in the western part of the country. It has drawn considerable attention due to its proximity to the Iraqi border and its geological similarity to the prolific Azadegan and Majnoon oil fields. The field holds strategic importance in Iran’s efforts to boost its crude oil production capacity and maintain energy dominance in the region.
Changuleh is a fractured carbonate reservoir predominantly located within the Asmari and Sarvak formations, both of which are common targets for hydrocarbon exploration in the Zagros Basin. These formations are known for their excellent porosity and permeability characteristics, especially in fractured zones. The field features an anticline structure with a northeast-southwest orientation, and the main hydrocarbon trap is of structural nature. The reservoir exhibits characteristics similar to the Azar and Majnoon fields, suggesting a shared petroleum system influenced by the same tectonic and sedimentary processes.
Reservoir studies have indicated that the oil in Changuleh is medium to heavy crude, with API gravity ranging between 22° and 29°. The viscosity levels are moderate, and the reservoir pressure is sufficient to support production without the immediate need for artificial lift methods. The oil is contained in carbonate rocks with varying degrees of fracturing, which significantly influence production behavior. According to official estimates by NIOC and based on initial and appraisal well data, Changuleh holds in-place reserves of approximately 4.3
billion barrels of crude oil. Of this, recoverable reserves are estimated at around 800 million barrels, though enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques may improve this figure.
NIOC has formulated a two-phase development plan for the Changuleh Oil Field. The first phase aims to achieve a production target of 15,000 barrels per day (bpd) by utilizing early production facilities and a limited number of production wells. The second phase envisions a ramp-up to 65,000 bpd, including full field development with comprehensive surface facilities, gas injection systems, and reservoir management strategies.
Drilling operations at Changuleh have revealed complex reservoir characteristics requiring advanced well design and completion techniques. Horizontal and deviated wells have been employed to maximize contact with fractured zones. Surface infrastructure includes early production facilities, oil gathering lines, and storage tanks. Plans are underway to connect the field to nearby refineries and export terminals via pipeline networks.
One of the major challenges in developing Changuleh lies in its complex geology, including highly fractured reservoirs and pressure compartmentalization. In addition, the proximity to the Iraqi border necessitates heightened operational security and geopolitical risk management. Water handling, sour gas content, and scaling tendencies are other technical issues that engineers must address.
The field is located in a region with sensitive ecosystems and rural populations. As such, the development plan includes environmental impact assessments (EIA) and community engagement strategies to minimize ecological disruption and support local economic development. Infrastructure upgrades such as roads, water supply, and electricity have been carried out to benefit both operational needs and local communities.
At full capacity, Changuleh could generate several billion dollars in annual revenue for the Iranian oil sector. The economic impact extends beyond oil production to job creation, service industry growth, and increased demand for infrastructure development in the Ilam region.
The future of Changuleh hinges on both technical success and geopolitical developments. With its substantial reserves and strategic location, the field is poised to become a major contributor to Iran’s upstream oil portfolio. The ongoing development signals Iran’s commitment to maximizing the value of its hydrocarbon resources through innovation and resilience.
Changuleh’s development aligns with Iran’s Sixth Development Plan, which aims to increase oil production capacity and reduce reliance on aging fields. The field’s output will help support domestic consumption and export goals, especially in light of rising regional energy demand.
The Changuleh Oil Field stands as a testament to Iran’s rich hydrocarbon potential and its ability to pursue energy development even under challenging conditions. With comprehensive planning, skilled engineering, and ongoing investment, Changuleh is on its way to becoming one of the flagship projects in the west of Iran. As service companies and national operators work together, the field’s long-term success will contribute to national energy security, economic growth, and technological advancement.
