BP plc is a British multinational integrated energy company headquartered in London. Originating in the early 20th century as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, BP has grown into one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, operating across exploration and production, refining and marketing, trading, and a range of low-carbon businesses.
The company’s core activities include upstream exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, midstream and trading operations, and downstream refining, marketing and supply of fuels, lubricants and petrochemicals. BP’s portfolio encompasses conventional oil and gas development, liquefied natural gas (LNG) activity, aviation and marine fuels, and retail fuels and convenience operations. The company also owns well-known lubricant brands, including Castrol, and runs global trading and shipping operations that support its integrated value chain.
BP operates globally, with assets and commercial operations across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia, serving industrial, commercial and consumer customers worldwide. Its businesses span upstream production regions, refining hubs and retail networks, and its operations include investments in power generation and energy trading to balance supply across markets.
In recent years BP has articulated a strategic shift toward lower-carbon energy, setting an ambition to reach net-zero emissions across its operations and the carbon content of its products by mid-century and investing in renewables, bioenergy, hydrogen, carbon capture and electric vehicle charging. The company’s senior leadership includes Murray Auchincloss as chief executive and Helge Lund as chair of the board, who have overseen the company’s dual focus on maintaining core hydrocarbon businesses while expanding in cleaner energy solutions.