Oil and natural gas are two of the world’s most important energy sources. They help power our homes, vehicles, factories, and entire cities. Because of this, the oil and gas industry plays a big role in the global economy. But behind the scenes, producing and delivering these fuels is no small task—it takes complex systems, advanced technology, and a lot of money.
In the past, natural gas was often treated as a waste product during oil production. In some areas, it was even burned off (a process called flaring) just to get rid of it. But today, natural gas is becoming a key player in the energy mix—especially in the United States. Thanks to advancements like shale gas extraction, it’s more available, and it burns cleaner than oil or coal, making it a better option for the environment.
The oil and gas industry is typically divided into three main parts:
Upstream – This is where companies search for oil and gas underground and bring it to the surface.
Midstream – This part of the industry handles transportation and storage, moving oil and gas through pipelines, trucks, or ships.
Downstream – This is where oil and gas are refined into products we use every day, like gasoline, diesel, and heating oil, and then sold to customers.