Downstream

Downstream operations are oil and gas processes that take place after the production phase to the point of sale. Downstream operations can include refining crude oil and distributing its byproducts — such as gasoline, natural gas liquids, diesel and a variety of other energy sources — down to the retail level. The closer an oil and gas company is to the process of providing consumers with petroleum products, the further downstream the company is said to be.

Most large oil companies are described as "integrated" because they combine upstream activities, which include exploration and production, with downstream operations. Some prefer to divide downstream operations into upstream, midstream and downstream, with the refining process taking place either midstream or downstream, and the distribution occurring in the downstream phase.

Companies in the downstream sector are those that provide the closest link to everyday users. After crude oil is discovered and pumped in the midstream process, the crude oil is shipped and transported, which is known as the midstream process. Thereafter, the oil is refined, marketed, distributed and sold, which is known as the downstream process. However, the refining of crude oil to petroleum products may be conducted in midstream operations.

The downstream process is the one that provides the most products that are closely linked to consumers, and is the sector of the oil and gas industry that people (whether they understand or realize it) can relate to the most. Some of these products include (but are not limited to) liquefied natural gas, gasoline, heating oil, synthetic rubber, plastics, lubricants, antifreeze, fertilizers and pesticides. 

The downstream industry also plays a key role in other sectors and industries of the economy that may not necessarily be obvious to some, including the medical field. The downstream process has a big influence on some of the products and equipment needed and used by medical professionals. Similarly, the downstream process plays a key role in the agricultural sector, because of its relationship to pesticides and fertilizers as well as the fuel needed for farming equipment. 

Although an oversupply of crude oil may hurt integrated and upstream oil companies, companies that primarily operate in the downstream process benefit substantially. When crude oil prices fall sharply in a short period, petroleum products typically lag crude oil prices since there is demand for petroleum products. As crude oil prices fall, refining margins typically grow. However, as oil prices increase, refining margins may experience declines.

For example, assuming an oil refining company, ABC Inc., primarily processes West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil to gasoline. Since gasoline experiences seasonality, there are periods when downstream companies may only generate low profit margins or operate at a loss. Assume it is the winter and demand for gasoline is slowing but the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has announced that it would cut production. Gasoline prices are trading at $2.50 per gallon, or $105 per barrel, while WTI crude oil prices are trading at $95 per barrel. Therefore, ABC Inc. only has a margin of $10 per barrel, or $105 - $95.

Assume the following year that gasoline prices remain at $2.50 per gallon but WTI crude oil prices fall substantially due to a global supply glut. The supply glut causes WTI crude oil prices to fall to $50 per barrel. Therefore, ABC Inc. has a refining margin of $55 per barrel, or $105 - $50. However, this margin does not take into account other costs the company may incur, as the crack spread just takes into account the costs associated with crude oil.