14–16 Sep · Singapore 26–28 Oct · Dubai 3 Days 5-Star Hotel Certificate Awarded
About This Course
Course Overview
This 3-day programme is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of crude oil supply and refining processes, covering both the physical and commercial aspects of refinery operations and economics. Participants gain effective and practical knowledge of the commercial parameters that drive oil refining and trading — including how crude supply decisions and product trading directly impact refining margins and how commercial decisions shape refinery economics and planning.
The course material spans refining processes, refinery economics, crude selection, oil pricing, supply and trading, marine freight, and project economics — all illustrated through real-life examples from refining and marketing organisations worldwide.
Led by Syed, a former Senior Marketing Manager in International Operations at Saudi Aramco Corporate HQ with over 35 years of high-profile expertise in technical and commercial downstream operations, the programme brings unparalleled industry depth to every session.
Programme Content
Key Topics
01
Refinery Operations & Configuration
Fundamental principles of refinery operations and economics
Refinery configuration and its impact on economics
Distillation, conversion, and treating processes
Refinery products: yields, qualities, and specifications
How refining operations are optimised for profitability
02
Crude Selection & Feedstock Economics
Crude oil assay: API gravity, sulphur, and quality factors
Calculation of feedstock cost and refining margins
Crude selection criteria: compatibility and economics
How crude supply decisions improve or erode margins
Spot vs. term crude purchases and supply planning
03
Oil Pricing & Market Structure
How crude oil and product markets are structured
Benchmark prices: Brent, WTI, Dubai, and regional markers
Price differentials, premiums, and discounts
Platts, Argus, and price reporting agency assessments
Forward curves, futures, and hedging instruments
04
Trading, Arbitrage & Margins
Arbitrage trade and calculating trading margins
Product blending and optimisation strategies
Crack spreads and refinery margin optimisation
Negotiating oil sales and purchase contracts
Roles of traders, brokers, and market makers
05
Marine Freight & Cargo Operations
Calculating freight cost and voyage economics
Tanker types, chartering, and freight rate structures
Managing cargo operations and documentation
Bills of lading, letters of credit, and trade finance
Port costs, demurrage, and laytime calculations
06
Business Planning & Project Economics
How to develop and operate refinery business plans
Investment economics and refinery project appraisal
Capital and operating cost structures in refining
Risk management and commercial decision frameworks
Case study: optimising a refinery's commercial strategy
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn
By the end of this programme, you will be able to:
01Understand fundamental refinery operations, configurations, and their direct impact on refining economics and margins
02Calculate feedstock costs, refining margins, crack spreads, and arbitrage trading margins using real-world data
03Analyse crude oil and product market structures, benchmark pricing, and how price differentials affect supply decisions
04Negotiate and structure oil sales and purchase contracts, understanding key commercial terms and risk allocation
05Calculate freight costs, voyage economics, and manage cargo operations including documentation and trade finance
06Develop and evaluate refinery business plans and investment cases using practical project economics frameworks
Dates & Pricing
Sessions & Fees
All sessions are held at five-star hotel venues. Classroom only — no virtual option.
Dates
Location
Format
Fee
14–16 Sep 2026
Singapore
Classroom
£3,300 (no VAT)
26–28 Oct 2026
Dubai, UAE
Classroom
£3,300 (no VAT)
Target Audience
Who Should Attend
This programme is designed for professionals across the downstream oil and gas sector who need a strong commercial grounding in refinery economics and trading.
Oil & Gas Engineers
Technical professionals expanding into commercial and trading roles
Planning Engineers & Managers
Refinery planning and supply chain management professionals
Marketers & Traders
Professionals in crude oil and product marketing, trading and supply
New Downstream Entrants
Those new to downstream oil functions seeking a commercial foundation
Banking & Government Officials
Officials dealing with petroleum downstream financing and regulation
Finance, Accounting & Procurement
Analysts and sourcing professionals in downstream energy companies
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the course trainer? +
The course is led by Syed, a former Senior Marketing Manager in International Operations at Saudi Aramco Corporate HQ. He served as Group Head of North American Markets, coordinating crude oil sales, supply and strategic planning. An international downstream veteran with over 35 years of expertise in refinery economics, crude oil sales, trading, logistics, contract negotiations, joint venture due diligence, and business development.
Where and when are the 2026 sessions? +
2026 sessions: 14–16 September in Singapore; 26–28 October in Dubai, UAE. All sessions are held at five-star hotel venues.
What is the course fee? +
The classroom fee is £3,300 per delegate. No VAT applies to Singapore and Dubai sessions. Group discounts are available — please contact us for details.
What does the 3-day programme cover? +
The programme covers: refinery operations and configuration; crude selection and feedstock economics; oil pricing and market structure; trading, arbitrage, and margin optimisation; marine freight and cargo operations; and refinery business planning and project economics.
Is a virtual option available? +
This course is currently offered as classroom sessions only. Contact info@londonpetroacademy.co.uk to enquire about virtual delivery.
Can this course be delivered in-house? +
Yes. All London Petro Academy courses are available as fully customisable in-house programmes delivered at your premises or any location worldwide. Contact j.rogus@londonpetroacademy.co.uk for a tailored proposal.
All London Petro Academy courses are available as fully customised in-house programmes delivered at your premises, or in Singapore, Dubai or any location worldwide.
