How the oil industry works

How the oil industry works

June 11, 2026 ยท 38 min

About this episode

The episode explores the workings of the oil industry, including drilling, refining, and the impact of geopolitical events on global supply.

What does it take to drill oil out of the ground and then refine it into petrol, jet fuel or other petrochemical products? The world currently uses about a hundred million barrels of oil a day. However, the daily flow has been affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A fifth of the global supply normally passes through the waterway in tanker ships, but it's been blocked since the end of February 2026. How has the industry adapted? Guests: Nick Bone, Fuels Industry UK Luke Johnson, Director of OPC Edward Hayden-Briffet from Onyx Capital Presenter: Evan Davis Producers: Sally Abrahams & Nick Holland Sound: Dave O'Neill & James Piper Production Coordinator: Katie Morrisson Editor: Sam Bonham

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