17–21 Aug · Rio 9–13 Nov · London 23–27 Nov · Singapore 5 Days 5-Star Hotel Certificate Awarded
About This Course
Course Overview
Crude oil and natural gas lie at the heart of the global energy economy. Their journey — from upstream extraction to processing, transportation, and final market delivery — is shaped by geopolitical dynamics, logistics infrastructure, commercial terms, and the strategic behaviours of producers and traders.
This intensive 5-day programme offers an integrated view of international oil and gas market structures, covering supply and demand forces, transportation logistics, refining and processing economics, and trading strategies that define value creation. Participants develop a practical understanding of how market signals, contracts, and physical flows interact across borders — supporting more effective decision-making within investment and risk management domains.
Taught by Dr. Babak Jafarizadeh — engineering economist and former Senior Economic Analyst at Equinor (Statoil) — the programme blends real-world industry experience with rigorous theoretical frameworks, delivered through executive-style lectures, case studies, and hands-on trading and hedging exercises.
Programme Content
Key Topics
01
Introduction to Global Oil & Regional Gas Markets
The crude oil value chain: upstream to downstream
Market fundamentals: supply sources, demand centres, and trade flows
Major producers, consumers, and OPEC+ market influence
Overview of natural gas value chain and regional markets
Project economics: cost structures and value drivers
02
Transportation, Logistics & Price Analysis
Crude oil transportation: pipelines, tankers, and maritime routes
Oil price formula: time, location, and grade differentials
Storage dynamics and contango/backwardation implications
Regional natural gas markets and pricing
Case study: economics of transporting heavy vs. light crudes
03
Downstream Economics & Benchmarks
Oil benchmarks: Brent, WTI, Dubai, and price-setting dynamics
Crude assay: gravity, sulphur, and refinery compatibility
Refinery configurations, complexities, and margins
Crack spreads and refining economics
LNG: a global market; natural gas trading and optimisation
04
Trading Strategies & Risk Management
Participants in physical and paper energy commodity markets
Energy commodity contracts: spot, term, and long-term offtake
Hedging strategies for producers, refiners, and traders
Price risk, basis risk, and geopolitical uncertainty
Case study: setting up a hedge for a hypothetical cargo
05
Geopolitics, Emerging Trends & Market Outlook
Geopolitical tensions, sanctions, and their market impacts
Shifts in refining capacity and global crude flows
Environmental regulations and ESG pressures
The role of shale, biofuels, and alternative blends
Capstone: advising a trading desk on sourcing and hedging strategies
06
Market Instruments & Arbitrage
Forwards, futures, and options in energy markets
Arbitrage opportunities between crude grades and refining destinations
Risk and volatility in energy commodity prices
Digital trading, emission markets, and maritime tracking
Economic framework for investment and project appraisals
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn
By the end of this programme, you will be able to:
01Identify major crude oil benchmarks and global supply routes, and understand OPEC+ market influence
02Describe refining processes and calculate how crude quality impacts yields, margins, and crack spreads
03Analyse trading contracts — spot, term, forwards, futures, and options — for managing price risks
04Evaluate geopolitical events affecting oil and gas supply, sanctions impacts, and market price formation
05Develop a hedging plan using futures or swaps, and assess arbitrage between crude grades and refining destinations
06Build an economic framework based on market understanding for investment decisions and project appraisals
Dates & Pricing
Sessions & Fees
All sessions are held at five-star hotel venues. Classroom only — no virtual option.
Dates
Location
Format
Fee
17–21 Aug 2026
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Classroom
£3,900 (no VAT)
9–13 Nov 2026
London, UK
Classroom
£3,900 (+20% UK VAT)
23–27 Nov 2026
Singapore
Classroom
£3,900 (no VAT)
Target Audience
Who Should Attend
This programme is designed for professionals across the oil, gas and energy sectors who need a deep commercial understanding of crude oil markets.
Energy Professionals in Commercial & Trading
Professionals in trading, supply and commercial strategy functions
Financial Analysts & Risk Managers
Project evaluators and risk professionals in the energy sector
Supply Chain & Refinery Planning
Decision makers in logistics, infrastructure, and refinery operations
Petroleum & Facility Engineers
Technical professionals expanding into commercial and market roles
Legal & Regulatory Professionals
Those engaged in trading, transportation, or offtake contracts
Business Development & Strategy
Professionals responsible for growth, partnerships, and market entry
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the course trainer? +
The course is led by Dr. Babak Jafarizadeh, a senior consultant and engineering economist with extensive industry experience at Equinor (formerly Statoil) in Norway and the USA. He holds academic positions at Heriot-Watt University (Assistant Professor) and UC Berkeley (Fung Institute). Dr. Jafarizadeh holds a PhD in Petroleum Engineering with a concentration in Investment and Decision Analysis from the University of Stavanger.
Where and when are the 2026 sessions? +
2026 sessions: 17–21 August in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 9–13 November in London, UK; 23–27 November in Singapore. All sessions are held at five-star hotel venues.
What is the course fee? +
The course fee is £3,900 per delegate. The London session is subject to 20% UK VAT. No VAT applies to the Rio de Janeiro and Singapore sessions. Group discounts are available — please contact us for details.
What does the 5-day programme cover? +
Day 1 — Global Oil & Gas Market Fundamentals; Day 2 — Transportation, Logistics & Price Analysis; Day 3 — Downstream Economics, Benchmarks & Refining Margins; Day 4 — Trading Strategies & Risk Management; Day 5 — Geopolitics, Emerging Trends & Capstone Exercise.
Is a virtual option available? +
This course is currently offered as classroom sessions only. Contact info@londonpetroacademy.co.uk to enquire about virtual delivery options.
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 Rio de Janeiro, London, Singapore or any location worldwide.
