The Oil & Gas Value Chain
From deep within the earth to your fuel tank, the journey of oil and gas is divided into three major sectors: Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream.
1. Upstream
Finding & Producing the Resources
This is the starting point, also known as Exploration & Production (E&P). It's the high-risk, high-reward phase of locating and extracting crude oil and natural gas.
Exploration
Using methods like seismic surveys to search for hydrocarbon deposits.
Drilling
Drilling wells to confirm and access the underground reserves.
Production
Extracting the raw materials and bringing them to the surface.
2. Midstream
Transporting & Storing the Resources
This sector acts as the vital link between production sites and processing facilities, handling the logistics of moving and storing raw hydrocarbons.
Transportation
Moving oil and gas via pipelines, tankers, rail, or trucks.
Storage
Holding resources in tank farms or underground reservoirs to balance supply.
Initial Processing
Separating impurities and valuable Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) from raw gas.
3. Downstream
Refining & Selling Finished Products
The final stage, where raw hydrocarbons are transformed into thousands of everyday products and delivered to consumers.
Refining & Processing
Converting crude oil and raw gas into usable components.
Marketing
The wholesale selling and branding of petroleum products.
Distribution & Retail
Delivering products to businesses and end-users via gas stations and utilities.
Thousands of Finished Products
The downstream sector creates the energy and materials that power modern life.
Gasoline & Diesel
Jet Fuel
Heating Oil
Plastics
Fertilizers
Asphalt
Lubricants
Detergents