The Hassi Messaoud field has secured the sixth position in a ranking of the eight largest oil fields within OPEC member countries. As Algeria's primary oil reserve, located in the Oued Mya basin, it contains approximately 3.9 billion barrels of crude oil. Discovered in 1956 and operational since 1962, the field is recognized for the quality of its output. The hydrocarbon sector remains a cornerstone of the Algerian economy, accounting for about 20% of the GDP and 85% of the nation's exports. The list is led by the Ghawar field in Saudi Arabia, followed by Ahvaz in Iran, Bolivar in Venezuela, Burgan in Kuwait, and Rumaila in Iraq, with Libya and Nigeria rounding out the top eight.