The Day of Oil, Gas and Petroleum Industry is observed in several former Soviet republics, including Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Moldova, on the first Sunday in September. Established in 1965 by the presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the holiday was initially created to commemorate the successful development of the oil and gas potential of Western Siberia. In 1980, it was renamed to its current title. While some republics abolished or renamed the holiday after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, others with a strong oil and gas sector chose to continue its observance. This professional holiday celebrates the contributions and achievements of the oil and gas industry, recognizing its significance in the economies of these nations. Ukraine has a similar holiday, celebrated a week later on the second Sunday in September.