Key Organisations in the Oil and Gas Industry

Categories Oil & Gas

Course Description

Key Organisations in the Oil and Gas Industry is a strategic energy module that explores the major players shaping the global oil and gas landscape. From multinational corporations to national entities and service providers, each organization contributes uniquely to the complex supply chain—from exploration and extraction to refining and distribution.

This lesson provides a clear breakdown of the industry’s structure, helping learners understand the roles, relationships, and influence of these entities in powering economies and shaping energy policy.

What You’ll Learn

🛢️ By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:

  • Identify and describe the key types of organisations in the oil and gas sector:
    • Intergovernmental Organisations (IOs) – e.g., OPEC, IEA: coordinate policies, stabilize markets, and promote energy cooperation
    • National Oil Companies (NOCs) – state-owned entities like Saudi Aramco or Petrobras that manage national resources
    • Independent Oil and Gas Companies (IOGCs) – privately owned firms focused on exploration and production (e.g., Apache, Occidental)
    • Oilfield Services and Equipment Companies – provide technical expertise, drilling, and infrastructure (e.g., Schlumberger, Halliburton)
    • Refining and Marketing Companies – transform crude oil into usable products and distribute them (e.g., Valero, Phillips 66)
    • Transportation and Logistics Companies – manage pipelines, shipping, and storage (e.g., Kinder Morgan, Transneft)
  • Understand how these organisations interact within the global energy supply chain
  • Explore the economic and geopolitical impact of these entities
  • Recognize the importance of industry structure for energy security, pricing, and sustainability

Who This Lesson Is For

This lesson is ideal for learners seeking a comprehensive overview of the oil and gas industry’s organizational framework. It’s especially valuable for students, professionals, and policymakers involved in energy, economics, or international relations.

A free course by

Course Duration: 45m
Course level:Beginner
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Requirements

  • Basic understanding of energy production and global markets
  • Interest in industrial operations or international energy policy

Target Audience

  • Energy and petroleum engineering students
  • Business and economics majors
  • Professionals in oil and gas, logistics, or energy policy
  • Educators teaching industrial or environmental studies
  • Anyone curious about how global energy systems operate