By: Gulf Publishing Co.

Date: 1961 (dated) Houston

Dimensions: 25.75 x 38 inches (65.5 x 96.5 cm)

This is a scarce and important map concerning oil concessions in northwest Africa. The map was published in January of 1961 as a supplement to World Oil by the Houston based Gulf Publishing Co.

This oil map of northwest Africa presents the region from Senegal and the Canary Islands in the west to Tunisia and Libya in the east. Throughout the map gas and oil fields and wells are located as well as refineries and cities with air fields. Red lines show the boundaries of hundreds of concessions. all of which are labeled on the map and listed in a corresponding key at lower right. Crude oil and gas pipelines are shown and differentiated as existing. proposed. and under construction by a variety of blue lines that are also noted an explanation just below the map title. 

A Brief History of Oil in Northwest Africa

The exploration for oil and gas resources in Northwest Africa began in the early 20th century during the colonial period. Algeria and Libya. in particular. were early players in the oil industry. Algeria witnessed the first commercial oil discovery in Northwest Africa with the Ahnet well in 1956. This map was published just one year before Algeria gained independence from France in 1962. Shortly afterward the country moved to nationalize its oil and gas industry. The countries in this region would have similar experiences to other underdeveloped countries around the world where oil and gas were discovered. They typically involve the aide of foreign companies for infrastructure and refining but become more nationalized as time goes on.

Gulf Publishing Company was established in 1916 by Ray Lofton Dudley. and is a global publishing and events enterprise focused on the hydrocarbon energy sector. The company organizes conferences and events tailored for the energy industry. Its premier magazines—World Oil. Hydrocarbon Processing. Pipeline & Gas Journal. and the Petroleum Economist—are released on a monthly basis. Since its inception. World Oil has been a comprehensive source covering the upstream oil and gas industry. spanning conventional. shale. offshore. exploration. and production technology in the oil and gas sector.

Condition: This map is in B+ condition. issued folded with folds still present. The map has some writing in the top left margin but it otherwise clean with no tears or holes save for a small separation at a fold intersection below the title. This map can be flattened or linen backed for an additional but reasonable fee.

Inventory #12662

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