Australia’s Dorado oilfield set for 2026 startup
The field is one of more than 100 potential prospects in the Bedout basin, says Carnarvon CEO Adrian Cook
The Dorado oilfield in Western Australia’s (WA’s) Bedout basin is on track for FID this year and first production in early 2026, Adrian Cook, CEO of Australian independent Carnarvon, tells Petroleum Economist. The field will initially produce 75,000-100,000bl/d and would pay back its capital investment within 12 months at current oil prices, he continues. That expected quick return on investment is a major benefit for Dorado. And global concerns about security of fuel supply will also help the development, Cook says. Dorado will use a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, and its crude is likely to go to Singaporean refineries as BP has closed the Kwinana refinery near P
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices






