Gas Sector Day is observed in Azerbaijan every June 20, commemorating the establishment of the Azerbaijani gas sector, which was initiated by President Ilham Aliyev in 2006. This professional holiday marks the 70th anniversary of the industry and highlights Azerbaijan's significant role as one of the world's largest gas producers, with two-thirds of the country rich in natural gas and oil. The Shah Deniz gas field, discovered in 1999 and located in the South Caspian Sea, is the largest natural gas field in Azerbaijan, with production commencing in late 2006. On this day, gas sector workers receive congratulations for their contributions to the nation's development and prosperity, underscoring the importance of the gas industry to the Azerbaijani economy. The holiday is not a non-working day, but it is a significant occasion for recognizing the efforts of those in the gas sector. Shareholders of the Shah Deniz field include BP, Statoil, NICO, Total, Lukoil, SOCAR, and TPAO.