Abstract: During the period of the third front construction, the state deployed a series of large-scale oil and gas projects in central and western China. These projects not only significantly increased oil and gas production capacity in inland regions and advanced exploration and extraction technologies, but also spurred the construction of production bases and the development of industrial towns, thereby optimizing the spatial distribution of China's oil and gas production. Characterized by the specific historical conditions, the development of oil and gas resources during this era featured distinct approaches: geological surveys and regional exploration served as the precursors; mass campaigns were employed to accelerate development speed; supporting infrastructure projects progressed concurrently with resource exploitation; and the spirit of arduous pioneering and selfless dedication was fully demonstrated. To this day, the oil and gas projects originating from the third front construction remain strategic pillars for ensuring energy supply and safeguarding energy security, making significant contributions to the economic and social development of both central-western China and the nation as a whole.

Key words: third front construction, central and western China, petroleum, natural gas, energy production pattern, energy security