Turkish Petroleum Corporation

Established on January 1, 1954, under Law No. 6327, the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) serves as the state-owned backbone of the nation's hydrocarbon strategy. Headquartered in Ankara, this entity drives the country's push for energy security by maximizing domestic exploration and production while reducing dependence on foreign imports. The organization manages a modern fleet capable of deep-water drilling and operates across six countries including Libya, Iraq, Somalia, Bulgaria, and Romania alongside its core domestic operations.

Historically, TPAO functioned as a fully integrated giant before regulatory changes in 1983 restructured the sector. Following that split, the corporation narrowed its focus to upstream activities like exploration, drilling, and production, leaving downstream refining and retail to private or semi-private entities such as TÜPRAŞ, BOTAŞ, PETKİM, and Petrol Ofisi. Despite these shifts, TPAO remains the pioneer that helped launch those very industry players, shaping Turkey's energy landscape for over seven decades.

Recent years have seen aggressive global expansion for the company. In mid-2026, TPAO secured a 33% stake in the Khan Tervel Block 1-26 off the coast of Bulgaria from Shell plc and entered the Kirkuk oil fields in Iraq through joint ventures with Continental Resources and other partners. Domestically, the Gabar oil field hit a record output of 83,300 barrels per day in early 2026, driven by new drilling initiatives that fueled a surge in Turkey's first-half oil and gas production. [edit]