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Upstream vs. Downstream Oil and Gas Operations: Key Differences

By Scott Levine – Oct 2, 2025 at 8:32PM | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

  • Upstream operations focus on oil exploration and extraction; downstream operations process crude into products.
  • Effective energy chains require balance between upstream production and downstream refining.
  • Integrated firms such as Chevron manage both upstream and downstream, maximizing investment returns.
Key findings are powered by ChatGPT and based solely off the content from this article. Findings are reviewed by our editorial team. The author and editors take ultimate responsibility for the content.

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