Bahrain’s oil & gas sector has proven its resilience to the ongoing global challenge.

Export of petroleum products recorded $4.4 billion in the first nine months of 2020. $1.6 billion worth of contracts for exploration and development have been signed off in 2020. Oil exports accounted for over 70 per cent of national revenue last year and it remained a key driver in the Kingdom’s economy.

In an exclusive interview with OGN, Bahrain’s Minister of Oil, HE Shaikh Mohamed Khalifa Al-Khalifa provided an insight into the achievements and aspirations for the Kingdom’s oil and gas industry and spoke on the Bapco Modernization Programme (BMP), exploration and development (Khaleej Al-Bahrain oil discovery and new blocks), major gas projects, green initiatives and localisation efforts as well as Covid-19’s impact on investment.

The Minister said: 'The pandemic was unexpected and it impacted the entire way of how people live. Obviously, the demand for oil and gas was hit hard; especially last summer. Thanks to the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain has been one of the pioneers who reacted early and proactively. A lot of our companies did well despite the Covid-imposed restrictions. Our businesses have shifted to hybrid models with staff working from home and at the office. Companies collaborated and shared creative ideas to contain the infection. Workflows continued without delay. I must thank each and everyone in our operating companies for their contribution and dedication. They have done an exceptional job to demonstrate operational excellence.

HE Shaikh Mohamed said: 'BMP is one of the largest projects in the history of Bahrain and for Bapco. The crude refining capacity will be nearly doubled from the current 267,000 barrels per day (bpd). It will transform Bapco into one of the most competitive and environmentally compliant refineries in the region.'