AN OIL AND GAS CITY AS A SPECIAL TYPE OF SINGLE-INDUSTRY TOWNS (MONOTOWNS): THE CASE OF THE CITIES AND TOWNS OF THE KHANTY-MANSI AUTONOMOUS OKRUG – YUGRA AND THE YAMALO-NENETS AUTONOMOUS OKRUG

Abstract

The paper presents a comprehensive study of the development and sustainability of oil and gas cities and towns, which represent a unique type of urbanized settlements characterized by a high dependence on the resource base. Using the example of the northern regions of Western Siberia, namely the Khanty-Mansi (Yugra) and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrugs (districts), the authors discuss the historical prerequisites for the formation of oil and gas cities and towns, their key socio-economic and environmental features as well as modern challenges associated with their development. These cities and towns, with a significant proportion of the working-age population and a high concentration of industrial activity, face a number of specific problems, such as limited infrastructure, social inequality, and unfavorable environmental conditions. Methodologically, this study is based on the modern view of artificially created cities as centers of the industrial development of nearby oil and gas fields. A wide range of statistical data was used for the analysis, making it possible to identify short-term changes and long-term trends. The main methodological approach lies in the identification of key features of oil and gas cities and towns, such as resource dependence, demographic challenges, limited infrastructure, and environmental threats. The study has found that the dominant role of the oil and gas industry has a significant impact on the socio-economic profile of the cities and towns, including employment, standard of living, and infrastructure. The main risks include a high dependence on fluctuations in global oil and gas prices, an aging population, limited opportunities for economic diversification, and environmental threats associated with intensive industrial exploitation of resources. The paper proposes measures aimed at increasing the sustainability of such cities and towns, including economic diversification, the development of modern transport and engineering systems, the improvement of social infrastructure, and the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies. Special attention is paid to the need for an integrated approach to improving the urban environment in order to create conditions conducive to enhancing the quality of life of the population and to strengthening the economic stability of the regions. The results of the study provide a practical basis for planning and implementing strategies for the sustainable development of oil and gas cities and towns.