Bugulma, city, Tatarstan republic, western Russia. It is situated on the Bugulma-Belebey Upland at the confluence of the Bugulminka and Stepnoy Zay rivers. Founded in 1736, it is the centre of petroleum mining in Tatarstan. Other economic activities in the city include machinery production, the processing of agricultural products, and construction. A local technical institute is devoted to training for the petroleum industry. Pop. (2006 est.) 91,288.