We operate within the broader oil and gas industry, but we specialize in the commercial aspect of buying and selling crude oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products.  We are looking at being the integrated oil companies that handle everything from exploration to retail, but for the mean time, we primarily focus on the midstream and downstream segments, particularly supply and marketing.

The core functions of an oil and gas trading company revolve around facilitating the movement of hydrocarbons from producers to consumers, leveraging market insights and logistics. Key functions include:

1. Arbitrage: Profiting from price differences between different markets (geographical arbitrage), different time periods (temporal arbitrage via futures markets), or different grades of oil/gas.

2. Risk Management (Hedging): Using financial instruments (futures, options, swaps) to mitigate price volatility risks for themselves or their clients (producers, refiners, airlines). This involves locking in prices for future deliveries or purchases.

3. Logistics and Supply Chain Optimization: Arranging the efficient transportation (shipping, pipelines, rail, trucks) and storage of oil and gas. This includes chartering vessels, booking pipeline capacity, and managing inventory.

4. Market Intelligence and Analysis: Constantly analyzing global supply and demand, geopolitical events, weather patterns, and economic indicators to anticipate price movements and identify trading opportunities.

5. Financing: Providing financing solutions for producers or buyers, particularly in emerging markets, through pre-payments or credit lines.

6. Blending and Optimization: Blending different crude oil grades to meet specific refinery specifications or creating optimal fuel blends.

7. Customer and Supplier Relations: Building strong relationships with producers (national oil companies, independent E&P firms) and buyers (refineries, industrial users, utilities).

Safety

This is almost universally the top core value in the oil and gas industry. It signifies an unwavering commitment to protecting the well-being of employees, contractors, and the public, as well as the integrity of assets and operations. It often includes a "zero harm" philosophy.

Integrity/Ethics

Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings, fostering honesty, transparency, and accountability. This includes complying with laws and regulations, and acting with moral courage.

Environmental Stewardship/Sustainability

A strong commitment to minimizing environmental impact, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle of operations. This can include reducing emissions, managing waste, and protecting biodiversity.

Accountability

Taking ownership of actions, decisions, and their outcomes. This applies to individual employees, teams, and the company as a whole, fostering a sense of responsibility and reliability.

Teamwork/Collaboration

Fostering an environment where employees work together effectively, share knowledge, respect diverse perspectives, and support each other to achieve common goals.

Excellence/Performance

Striving for the highest quality in all aspects of work, continuously improving processes, and delivering superior results. This includes operational efficiency and innovation.

Respect

Treating all individuals with dignity, valuing diversity, and fostering an inclusive environment. This extends to employees, contractors, partners, and the communities in which the company operates.

Innovation/Continuous Improvement

Encouraging creativity, seeking new solutions, embracing technological advancements, and consistently looking for ways to enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.

Social Responsibility/Community Engagement

Being a responsible corporate citizen, contributing positively to the communities where the company operates, and addressing societal concerns. This can involve local hiring, community development, and transparent communication.

Customer Focus

Understanding and meeting the needs of clients and stakeholders, building strong relationships, and delivering reliable products and services.

Leadership

Empowering employees at all levels to take initiative, make sound decisions, and guide others towards achieving shared objectives.