This review explores the principles, degradation mechanisms, and recent advancements in bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC)-contaminated soil. PHCs, a significant source of soil pollution, are primarily derived from industrial activities and human activities. Bioremediation, an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach, involves the use of microorganisms to degrade PHCs into non-toxic compounds. The review highlights the pivotal roles of diverse microbial communities, particularly Aspergillus spp., Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes, in PHC degradation. It discusses the fundamental concepts behind bioremediation, including the complex degradation mechanisms and limiting factors such as substrate properties, temperature, nutrient availability, and soil characteristics. Recent innovations in bioremediation technologies are also examined, emphasizing the importance of understanding degradation pathways and ensuring complete contaminant degradation. The review underscores the potential of bioremediation for sustainable and effective soil remediation, highlighting the need for flexible legislation to support the proper use of genetically engineered microbes.This review explores the principles, degradation mechanisms, and recent advancements in bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC)-contaminated soil. PHCs, a significant source of soil pollution, are primarily derived from industrial activities and human activities. Bioremediation, an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach, involves the use of microorganisms to degrade PHCs into non-toxic compounds. The review highlights the pivotal roles of diverse microbial communities, particularly Aspergillus spp., Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes, in PHC degradation. It discusses the fundamental concepts behind bioremediation, including the complex degradation mechanisms and limiting factors such as substrate properties, temperature, nutrient availability, and soil characteristics. Recent innovations in bioremediation technologies are also examined, emphasizing the importance of understanding degradation pathways and ensuring complete contaminant degradation. The review underscores the potential of bioremediation for sustainable and effective soil remediation, highlighting the need for flexible legislation to support the proper use of genetically engineered microbes.