Postcard Story : Oil wells of Yenangyaung

The Yenangyaung oilfields in Myanmar, located in the Irrawaddy Valley, are historically significant as one of the oldest oil production areas in the world. The region's oil wells were originally hand-dug by local villagers, who collected crude oil from shallow wells. This traditional method of oil extraction continued for centuries until the British colonized Burma and began to industrialize oil production, leading to the establishment of Burmah Oil Company.

Ahuja 443, Black halftone key printed on chromolithography printing

Ahuja 46, Black halftone key printed on chromolithography printing

Yenangyaung became the focal point for oil exploration and extraction during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. British interests modernized the oil industry by introducing advanced drilling techniques, which greatly increased production. The area played a crucial role in the development of Myanmar's oil industry and had a strategic importance during World War II, as control of the oilfields became a significant military objective.

Rowe and Co., Ltd,. 

Printed from same photo as above, but by different publisher.

Despite its early success, the region faced many challenges, including fluctuating global oil prices, political turmoil, and the nationalization of the oil industry after Myanmar's independence. Today, the legacy of the Yenangyaung oilfields is a testament to both the ingenuity of local people and the transformative impact of colonial industrialization on natural resource management.

Real Photo Postcard

This article displays early picture postcards of Burma, depicting oil fields of Yanangyaung.