BP plc is a multinational oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, production, refining and marketing of energy products. The company’s operations span the entire hydrocarbon value chain, encompassing upstream exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, as well as downstream refining, distribution and retail of fuels, lubricants and petrochemicals. In recent years, BP has also been building a portfolio of low-carbon energy projects, including offshore wind, solar, hydrogen and biofuels, as part of its strategy to transition toward a lower-carbon future.
In its upstream segment, BP holds interests in major oil and gas fields across the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, Azerbaijan and Trinidad and Tobago, among other regions. The company’s downstream business operates refineries in Europe, North America and Asia, supplying retail networks under the BP, Aral and Castrol brands. Petrochemical facilities produce a range of polymers and intermediates for use in automotive, construction and packaging applications. Through its convenience and mobility services, BP also offers fuel cards, electric vehicle charging and digital payment solutions.
Founded in 1909 as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, BP has evolved through a series of mergers and rebrandings, including its transformation from British Petroleum to BP plc in 2001. Over its more than a century-long history, the company has been at the forefront of major industry developments, from North Sea discoveries in the 1970s to deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. In the early 21st century, BP expanded into petrochemicals and renewables, reflecting a shift in focus toward integrated energy services and sustainability.
Today, BP operates in over 70 countries and employs tens of thousands of people worldwide. The company’s leadership team is headed by Chief Executive Officer Murray Auchincloss, supported by functional directors overseeing upstream, downstream and alternative energy businesses. With a commitment to reducing carbon emissions while meeting global energy demand, BP continues to align its portfolio and investments with evolving market dynamics and regulatory frameworks across key geographies.