Acceleration of geological exploration in the Northern Regions of the Komi ASSR and the Arkhangelsk Region in the mid-1970s

The purpose of the publication is to study a little-studied topic on the implementation of the resolution adopted in 1976 by the central government bodies, which provided for the acceleration of geological exploration for the development of the oil and gas industry in the northern regions of the Komi ASSR and in the Nenets National District of the Arkhangelsk Region. The research was based on both published and now declassified documents from the collection of the Central Committee of the CPSU of the Russian State Archive of Modern History. It has been proven that the discovery of new fields led to the accelerated development of the Timan-Pechora oil and gas complex. The internal economic situation in the country, the decline in production at traditional fields, and the increase in global oil prices following the 1973 oil crisis were all significant factors. The conclusion is that the development of the oil and gas industry in the region and the creation of infrastructure received a powerful impetus. However, due to a number of objective and subjective factors, many of the planned indicators were not achieved within the established timeframe. One of the most important factors contributing to the slowdown and failure to meet the planned indicators was the lack of sufficient capital investments. This study fully demonstrates the essence of the departmental approach, where ministries competed for resources and influence.