Primary recovery is the initial phase of extracting oil or gas from a reservoir. During this stage, natural pressure forces the hydrocarbons to the surface, allowing for the collection of the resource without additional assistance. This method typically recovers about 10-20% of the total oil in a reservoir. As the natural pressure decreases, primary recovery becomes less effective. Operators may then consider secondary recovery methods, such as injecting water or gas to maintain pressure and enhance extraction. Understanding primary recovery is essential for efficient resource management in the oil and gas industry.