The Darquain oil field is one of Iran’s key strategic projects in the oil industry, and due to its geographical location and rich oil reserves, it plays a significant role in the country’s energy supply.
The Darquain oil field is located in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran, near the Karun River. Discovered in 1964, it has since become one of the largest oil fields in Iran. Its proximity to the Iraq border and its location in a region with robust oil infrastructure give this field strategic importance.
Darquain holds multiple oil reservoirs, the most prominent of which is the Asmari reservoir. This reservoir produces light, high-quality crude oil, which is highly valued in global markets. The oil in Darquain has the following key characteristics:
• Light Crude: With a high API gravity, making it highly desirable for refining and export.
• Rich Reservoirs: Deep oil reserves with substantial capacity.
• Reservoir Characteristics: High permeability and natural pressure, reducing the need for advanced extraction techniques.
Currently, the Darquain oil field produces over 160,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Its development is planned in multiple phases:
• Phase 1 & 2: These phases have been completed, starting with initial production capacity and later increasing output through the implementation of advanced technologies.
• Phase 3: Currently under development, it is expected to significantly increase production once completed.
In recent decades, the Darquain oil field has benefited from international support. The Italian company Eni has been involved in some stages of the field's development. However, international sanctions have posed challenges to ongoing collaborations. Despite this, Iran has continued to develop and operate the field using indigenous technologies and the expertise of domestic engineers.
The Darquain oil field is a crucial source of crude oil for Iran, playing a key role in the national economy. The crude oil produced here is a major export commodity to global markets. Further development of this field can have a significant impact on increasing Iran’s oil revenues and maintaining its position in global markets.