Oil and natural gas remain the world's leading fuels, accounting for nearly 55% of global energy consumption
Oil and natural gas, formed from decayed organic matter subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years, are key energy sources that have bolstered economic sectors such as residential heating, transportation, and manufacturing. However, their role in greenhouse gas emissions and environmental disasters like oil spills has pressured the industry amidst the low carbon transition. Despite this, over 100 countries produce these fuels, and they remain significant in the energy sector. The industry is split into upstream (exploration and extraction), midstream (transport and storage), and downstream (refining and sale). Product forms include natural gas, LPG, petrol, diesel, and other petrochemicals. Recent trends show increased use of natural gas due to its cleaner burn compared to oil and coal, the rise of LNG technology, and advancements in shale gas production. Future supply depends on new deposits and production technology, while CCUS developments will influence the long-term energy mix.
You can further explore the three sectors by clicking the links below:
Learn more about oil and gas extraction by exploring our Energy Insights.
For the latest news and articles on exploration and production read New Energy World.
Explore our dedicated collections on Aviation Fuel, Road Fuels and Shale Gas
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of global electricity generation was fuelled by natural gas in 2023 (Statistical Review of World Energy)
0Mt
of methane emissions came from production and use of fossil fuels in 2023 (IEA)
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supply chain jobs in decarbonisation of the UKCS, CCUS and hydrogen will be supported as part of the North Sea Transition Deal, published in 2021 (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
0Mt
of CO2 is currently captured annually from carbon capture facilities around the world (IEA)
What's new?
President Trump withdraws from Paris Agreement again despite climate crisis
22/1/2025
Trump also gave formal notice of the exit in a letter to the United Nations (UN). Though there is a one-year notice period, Trump’s executive order cl...
Aviation industry plans for growth are ‘irreconcilable’ with Europe’s climate goals, says new study
22/1/2025
The new analysis by environmental campaign group T&E predicts that aircraft will burn 59% more fuel (fossil kerosene and its two alternatives: bio...
Biden bans US offshore drilling and expands clean energy tax credits
15/1/2025
‘My decision reflects what coastal communities, businesses and beachgoers have known for a long time: that drilling off these coasts could cause irrev...
New electricity law sets framework to support clean energy development in Vietnam
15/1/2025
A pivotal focus of Vietnam’s new Energy Law is the prioritisation of renewable energy sources, like solar, wind and nuclear power, as well as green hy...
New EU maritime regulations set course for sector decarbonisation
15/1/2025
The legislation is a critical component of the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ package, aimed at achieving a 55% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by ...
Events and training
Asset Management - March 2025
10/3/2025 - 11/3/2025
This 2 half-day training course will help you to understand the aspects involved in managing physical assets to develop and maintain your own strategi...
Hazardous Area Classification - April 2025
8/4/2025 - 10/4/2025
This 3-day training course will provide delegates with training on the Energy Institute Model Safe Code of Practice 15, Area Classification for Instal...
Safety Critical Task Analysis April 2025
28/4/2025 - 2/5/2025
5 X 1.5hr seminars (and Bonus material) on Human Factors Safety Critical Task Analysis (SCTA).
Human Factors Foundation - October 2025
6/10/2025 - 10/10/2025
This 5-day course delivers a comprehensive introduction into human factors for non-specialists. It provides a practical, engaging and interactive back...
Economics of the Oil and Gas Industry - October 2025
13/10/2025 - 14/10/2025
A 2-day introduction to the economics of the oil and gas industry. This course is suitable for students who are new to the oil and gas industry.
Technical guidance publications
EI 3268
Pipeline and riser loss of containment 2001 - 2020 (PARLOC 2020)
December 2024
The results presented in this report are based on data gathered for loss of containment incidents that occurred at pipelines and risers on the UK cont...
HM 26: A guide to liquid metering systems
November 2024
This publication covers the specification, design, installation and operation of metering stations for high accuracy measurement of the bulk flow of l...
HM 27. A guide to gas metering systems
October 2024
This publication covers the specification, design, installation and operation of metering stations for high accuracy measurement of the bulk flow of g...
EI 3015
EI Model code of safe practice Part 15: Area classification for installations handling flammable fluids
October 2024
Provides a demonstrable methodology for determining hazard radii and is applicable to all installations handling flammable fluids. It gives guidance o...
You may also be interested in
Shale gas collection
The Shale gas Collection addresses the scientific and technological aspects of shale gas and its development. You can also download our publication: An Energy Essentials guide to shale gas
Oil & Gas training
The EI offers a comprehensive portfolio of oil and gas training courses.
