PDO branches out
The firm is building on decades of experience to further develop its technological prowess and encompass alternative fuels
Petroleum Development Oman is a remarkable survivor, dating back in some form to 1937. It's a curious hybrid, not quite a national oil company, but more than a private joint venture. And it's embarking on probably its biggest transformation—even changing its name—since the government acquired a majority stake in 1974. The new 'Energy Development Oman' (EDO) now faces three major tasks: to sustain production from increasingly mature oil and gas fields; to introduce new hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon technologies; and to strengthen the national economy and capabilities. Along with its wider capabilities Sultan Qaboos, ruler since 1970, PDO has built Oman. When the sultan overthrew his father,
Also in this section
13 March 2026
Brussels is again weighing a cap on gas prices amid the Hormuz crisis, but the measure could backfire by deterring the LNG cargoes Europe urgently needs
12 March 2026
Emergency oil stocks provide a last line of defence to oil market shocks, so the IEA’s unprecedented 400m bl release represents something of a double-edged sword
12 March 2026
LPG could rapidly expand access to clean cooking across Africa and prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths from indoor air pollution each year, but infrastructure shortages and regulatory barriers are slowing investment and market growth
11 March 2026
Missiles over Dubai and disruption in Hormuz are testing the emirate’s reputation—and shaking the energy hub at the centre of the Gulf economy
