PROGRAM DETAILS

Program Overview

The global petroleum industry plays a vital role in shaping the world economy, international relations, and technological advancement. As energy demands evolve and geopolitical pressures reshape supply dynamics, understanding the full scope of the international petroleum business becomes essential for professionals across technical, commercial, and leadership roles. This program is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the international petroleum value chain—from exploration and production to refining, marketing, trading, and environmental considerations.

Through this training, participants will gain insights into the global oil and gas landscape, including key players, market structures, pricing mechanisms, and the impact of energy policies and transition trends. The program emphasizes how upstream, midstream, and downstream activities interact in different regions and regulatory environments. It also introduces the strategic, financial, operational, and sustainability-related challenges facing the industry.

By the end of this course, participants will possess a solid foundation in how the international petroleum business operates and be better prepared to make informed decisions, contribute to organizational strategy, or liaise effectively across technical and commercial functions. The program is ideal for new entrants, cross-functional leaders, and support professionals needing a business-level understanding of the petroleum industry in a global context.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the global structure and dynamics of the petroleum industry.

• Describe the key stages of the petroleum value chain: upstream, midstream, and downstream.

• Identify the major players, institutions, and regulatory frameworks influencing the sector.

• Analyze the key commercial and strategic drivers in oil and gas production and marketing.

• Interpret global pricing mechanisms, benchmarks, and the role of OPEC and international trading.

• Assess emerging trends such as energy transition, ESG considerations, and digital transformation in petroleum.

• Develop a working vocabulary and framework for decision-making in the petroleum business.

Target Audience

• Professionals new to the oil and gas sector

• Engineers and technical staff transitioning into managerial or commercial roles

• Government or regulatory staff interfacing with energy companies

• Finance, legal, HR, and commercial professionals supporting petroleum businesses

• Business development and strategy professionals

• Anyone seeking a structured understanding of the global petroleum industry

Training Methodology

The course uses a blend of engaging and interactive training methods, including:

• Expert-led presentations and visual briefings

• Real-world case studies and industry scenarios

• Interactive group exercises and role-plays

• Industry data analysis and business simulations

• Video documentaries and global insights

• Daily debriefs and reflection sessions

Course Content

Day 1: Introduction to the Global Petroleum Industry

• History and evolution of oil and gas

• Global energy demand and supply trends

• Structure of the international petroleum industry

• Key players: IOCs, NOCs, service providers

• The role of oil and gas in the global economy

Day 2: Upstream Sector: Exploration and Production

• Geology, exploration techniques, and licensing

• Drilling, development, and production operations

• Economic analysis of upstream projects

• Reserves classification and reporting

• Environmental and HSE considerations in upstream

Day 3: Midstream and Downstream Operations

• Transportation and logistics (pipelines, shipping, LNG)

• Refining: processes, economics, and products

• Marketing and retail strategies

• Petrochemicals overview

• Infrastructure and market access challenges

Day 4: Commercial, Trading & Regulatory Environment

• Global oil and gas pricing: Brent, WTI, OPEC basket

• Futures, spot markets, and risk management

• Contracts, fiscal regimes, and licensing terms

• International trade and regulatory frameworks

• Role of OPEC, IEA, and energy geopolitics

Day 5: Future Trends and Strategic Challenges

• Energy transition and decarbonization

• Climate policies and ESG reporting

• Digital transformation and innovation in oil & gas

• New business models and diversification strategies

• Course recap and action planning for participants