The global oil and gas industry continues to play a central role in energy supply despite growing investment in renewable power. In 2026, a small group of major corporations dominate production, exploration, and infrastructure development through massive multi-billion-dollar projects across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Below is a detailed look at the top 10 oil and gas companies in the world and their most significant ongoing projects.
1. Saudi Aramco (Saudi Arabia)
Saudi Aramco is the world’s largest oil producer and the most valuable energy company globally. Headquartered in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, it controls the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves.
Current Project:
Amiral Petrochemicals Expansion – Jubail, Saudi Arabia
A major $11 billion petrochemical complex aimed at boosting refined product output and export capacity.
2. ExxonMobil (United States)
ExxonMobil is the largest publicly traded oil and gas company, headquartered in Irving, Texas, with operations in more than 50 countries.
Current Project:
Stabroek Block Expansion – Guyana
Offshore oil production ramp-up in one of the fastest-growing oil fields in the world.
3. Shell (United Kingdom / Netherlands)
Shell operates in over 70 countries and is a leading producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and offshore oil.
Current Project:
Orange Basin Mega Project – Namibia
Large offshore oil and gas development off the southwest coast of Africa.
4. BP (United Kingdom)
BP is a British multinational energy company with major upstream and downstream operations worldwide.
Current Project:
Greater Tortue Phase 1 – Mauritania and Senegal
Offshore LNG development designed to supply global natural gas markets.
5. TotalEnergies (France)
TotalEnergies is one of Europe’s largest integrated energy companies, operating in more than 130 countries.
Current Project:
Tilenga and Lake Albert Development – Uganda
Oil field development combined with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
6. Chevron (United States)
Chevron is headquartered in California and operates across exploration, production, and refining sectors.
Current Project:
Tengiz Reservoir Expansion – Kazakhstan
A $45 billion project to increase oil output from one of Central Asia’s largest oil fields.
7. ADNOC (United Arab Emirates)
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) manages the UAE’s oil and gas reserves and operates extensive refining and export facilities.
Current Project:
Ruwais Downstream Expansion – UAE
A $25 billion project focused on refining, chemicals, and industrial growth.
8. Petrobras (Brazil)
Petrobras is Brazil’s state-controlled oil company and a global leader in deepwater oil production.
Current Project:
Búzios Phase 6 & 7 – Brazil
Deepwater offshore development aimed at significantly increasing crude oil output.
9. CNOOC (China)
China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is China’s largest offshore oil and gas producer.
Current Project:
Bohaiwan LNG Terminal – China
A major offshore LNG import and processing facility supporting domestic energy demand.
10. Eni (Italy)
Eni is Italy’s largest energy company with strong operations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Current Project:
Libya Gas and Oil Development – Libya
Project aimed at increasing natural gas and oil production for both domestic use and export.
Global Energy Outlook
These top 10 oil and gas companies in the world continue to dominate global production through offshore drilling, LNG terminals, and petrochemical expansions. While renewable energy investment is increasing, oil and gas remain critical to global energy security.
Many of these companies are also investing in:
- Carbon capture technologies
- LNG as a transition fuel
- Petrochemical manufacturing
- Hybrid energy projects
The oil and gas sector remains driven by large multinational corporations with mega projects worth billions of dollars. From Saudi Arabia to Brazil and from China to Africa, these companies are shaping the future of global energy markets through strategic investments and infrastructure development.
As demand continues in both developed and emerging economies, these top 10 oil and gas companies in the world are expected to remain key players in global energy supply for the coming decade.