Do you want to get into the oil and gas industry? If YES, here are 50 high profit oil & gas business ideas and opportunities you can start without capital.
The amount of money required in investing in the oil and gas industry is not the kind of money that can easily be raised. It requires loads of money to become a major player in the oil and gas industry that is why as an accredited investor, you should consider investing in this industry if you don’t have an investment portfolio in this industry.
You could invest in oil exploration and production, oil servicing and liquefied gas et al. The return on investment in this industry seems to be one of the highest compared to other industry.
As long as there are gas turbines to be powered all around us, natural gas wouldn’t cease to be one of the major commodities required for industrialization of the entire world and investors in this industry, whether direct investors or indirect investors, it would continue to generate great profits from their investment.
You can make your choice from the listed channel through which you can begin to invest in oil and natural gas. Whichever choice you make will sure be to your advantage despite the volatile nature of the oil and gas sector. Here are 50 business ideas that an investor or aspiring entrepreneur who is interested in starting a business can choose from;
Best Best Oil and Gas Business ideas
If you are looking towards starting a business in the oil and gas industry, one of your options is to open a filling station. Filling station business is highly thriving and profitable-particularly if you have chains of filling stations that are located in strategic traffic prone locations.
A filling station is a place where premium motor spirit, diesel, cooking gas and kerosene et al are retailed. If you can successfully secure a space in a location that is prone to vehicular traffic, then you should consider starting a filling station business.
Please note that you will be required to apply and obtain permits and business license from the appropriate authority before you can successfully build a filling station in any area of your choice.
Retailing of cooking gas is yet thriving and profitable oil and gas related business that an entrepreneur who is looking towards starting a business should consider starting. This type of business is suitable in countries where gas is not supplied to apartments via a structures pipe system.
All you need to get this type of business started is a shop located in a residential estate, gas cylinders and supply of gas directly from a gas plant.
Retailing of cooking gas is amongst the oil and gas related business ideas that you can start with little start – capital. Please do also note that you will need to carry out some good research. This is o that you can be armed with ample information about the business that you plan to delve into.
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Start an Oil and Gas Servicing Company
If you are looking towards starting a business in the oil and gas industry, a business that is profitable and thriving and one that requires engineering skills, then one of your options is to start an oil and gas servicing company. Major oil companies around the globe like Mobil, Shell, Agip, Chevron and Texaco, amongst others, rely on oil servicing companies such as Halliburton, Schlumberger and Transocean et al, for maintenance and servicing jobs.
Establishing oil and gas servicing company is demanding both in terms of skilled manpower and capital, but if you are well positioned and you know how to market your services, you will surely get huge returns on your investment. Indeed oil and gas servicing firm is a lucrative business venture to go into if you have the capacity.
There are lawyers who are specialized in the oil and gas sector; they are referred to as oil and gas lawyers. So, as a lawyer, if you are looking towards earning money from the business value chain of the oil and gas industry, then one of your best options is to specialized in oil and gas law so as to offer legal services in the oil and gas industry.
This is one of the thriving and profitable businesses in the oil and gas industry that is exclusively reserved for lawyers. This means first of all, that you have got to be versed in the industry, and one of such ways to be vast is to be educated.
If you are conversant with the oil and gas industry, you will know that it is safer and economical to transport crude oil from an oil field to a refinery especially if the locations are far apart.
Thus, if you are a big time investor and you are looking towards owning a business portfolio in the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to start a crude oil shipping company. Of course this type of business is capital intensive but the truth remains that it is a money spinning business.
Before you become a player in this industry, you would need to acquire the required license and permits from the required authority before you can be allowed to start lifting crude oil. It is an industry that is regulated because of the activities of pirates and crude oil bunkers.
Another thriving and profitable business venture in the oil and gas industry that an aspiring entrepreneur who is looking towards investing in the industry should consider starting is to start a petroleum products haulage company.
Petroleum products haulage companies are involved in transporting petroleum products such as premium motor spirit (petrol / fuel), kerosene and diesel from a refinery, seaport, and oil tank farms et al to various filling stations scattered across the country.
All you need to get this type of business started is fleets of oil tankers, tanker drivers, the required permits and business licenses et al. No doubt this type of business is capital intensive, but it is also very lucrative.
There are countries where private firms and individuals are issued licenses to operate their own legal private refineries. So if you live in any country where it is legal to own a private refinery, then you should consider opening your own private petroleum refinery.
It is a capital intensive business but at the same time it is highly lucrative. Once you are able to secure your license to lift crude oil, then you will be on your way to making mega bucks. As a matter of fact, this type of business is reserved for big – time investors because of the money and politics involved securing a license to run a private petroleum refinery.
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Start a Refinery Construction (Building) and Servicing Company
Another highly technical and profitable business that an engineer who is interested in starting a business in the oil and gas industry should consider starting is a refinery construction (building) and servicing company. It is one thing to secure a license to operate your own private petroleum refinery it is another thing for you to have the refinery in place.
It is the job of refinery construction (building) and servicing companies to design, build and services refineries. This type of business is highly thriving in countries where individuals and private firms are allowed to own their own private refineries. You need various professionals especially engineers and architects to start this type of business.
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Start an Oil Spillage Cleaning Company
In Texas, United States, in Rivers State, Nigeria and in other countries of the world where oil is drilled in the deep sea, there is the likelihood of oil spillages hence the need for professional oil spillage cleaning services. So, if you are looking for a business to start in the value chain of the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to start an oil spillage cleaning company.
This type of business requires professionalism of the highest order because of the risk involved in such cleaning services. No doubt if you are able to secure just one oil spillage cleaning contract, you are sure of making profits in the range of millions of dollars.
There is no restriction to the services offered by consultants. As a matter of fact, there are consultants in all industries ranging from finance to medicals et al.
If you have a robust experience in the oil and gas industry and you have the required qualifications and professional certifications to back your experience, then one of the ways that you can earn money from the business value chain in the oil and gas industry is to start an oil and gas consultancy and advisory services.
It is a thriving and profitable business venture especially if you are a known figure in the oil and gas industry. You will however, need to have some trainings and education before you start this type of business.
Another profitable and thriving business idea in the oil and gas industry that an entrepreneur who intends starting a business in the industry should consider starting is to start an oil and gas related TV show.
One thing is certain, if your TV show is well organized and well – packaged to address key issues as it relates to the oil and gas industry, then you will surely attract large viewership and of course mouthwatering sponsorship deals from major players in the oil and gas industry in your country.
It is a cool way of making money, but you must always be your toe when it comes to developing interesting contents for the TV show.
Of course it is more expensive to buy slots on TV than it is for radio. So, if you are looking towards starting an oil and gas related talk show and you don’t have the finance to purchase airtime on TV, then going on radio is your best options.
The truth is that, if your radio talk show is well organized and well – packaged to address key issues in the oil and gas industry, you will sure attract large listenership and of course mouthwatering sponsorship deals from major players in the oil and gas industry in your country.
It is a cool way of making money, but you must always be your toe when it comes to developing interesting contents for the radio talk show. For you to be able to run this type of business successfully, you will have to source for high end sponsors.
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Start Blogging on Oil and Gas Related Issues
Another easy to start business in the oil and gas value chain is to start blogging on oil and gas related issues. It is interesting to note that there are loads of people out there who are making millions annually from blogging. If you are an oil and gas professional or someone who has sound knowledge in the oil and gas industry, one of the businesses that you can consider starting is to start blogging on oil and gas related subjects.
The truth is that if your blog has useful and helpful contents, you will attract loads of traffic and if you have loads of traffic on your blog, you can easily secure good advertising deals from stakeholders and other businesses in your blog. Just ensure that you update your blog regularly and you will continue to attract traffic.
There are several businesses that an entrepreneur can launched in the value chain of oil and gas industry and one of them is to start publishing oil and gas magazines. Information is key in any industry and all you need to do to be able to gain ground with this type of business is to ensure that you have relevant contents in your magazine per time.
Part of the information that you should make available in your oil and gas magazine are the various business opportunities in the oil and gas industry, the latest trends, news and information as it relates to the industry, and advisory services to investors who are looking towards investing in the oil and gas industry.
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Start a Lubricant Production Company
Another highly profitable and thriving business in the oil and gas business value chain that an entrepreneur who is looking to start a business should consider starting is a lubricant production company. There is a large market for lubricants products and it is a business that is open to entrepreneurs who are ready to compete in the industry.
So if you are serious about making money from the oil and gas industry, then you should consider starting a lubricant production business.
There is a wide range of products that you can produce under this business. Just ensure that you come up with products with good quality and packaging; that is part of the strategies you must adopt if your intend penetrating the market.
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Start Your Own Gas Plant Servicing Company
If you are an accredited investor or even a non-accredited investor, you can organize group of friends that have the financial muscles to join you in starting a Gas Plant Servicing Company.
Most big companies that are involved in the exploration and production of natural gas usually contract some of the jobs that they consider as not the core of their operations to servicing firms. If your gas servicing company is well positioned, you can get contracts from these firms.
No doubt it might cost you a lot money to get the required license to set up your own Gas servicing company, but be rest assured that there will always be request for your services and your investment will be worth the while even if it will take some time.
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Invest In Gas Pipelines
Another option you have in investing in the oil and gas industry is to either be a supplier of pipelines used for transporting oil and gas or even establish a company that is into the production of oil and natural gas pipeline. The essence of investing in the oil and gas industry is to plug into any part of the process and make your own share of the profits.
Starting this type of trade is no child’s play at all, as you would require a huge amount of money to launch out. However, if you are able to raise the capital involved, in no time at all, you would break into the market and break even.
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Market Natural Gas
You can apply for a license to become a natural gas accredited independent marketer. Over time, natural gas marketers have become an important component in this industry because of the role they play between natural gas producers and the available market for natural gas.
They could serve as the middle man between the producer and the direct end users or between the producers and retailers or other distribution companies. One good thing about marketing natural gas is that the price is no longer regulated as it used to be, the price is actually set by available market forces like demand and supply.
Just ensure that you know all the options available to you as a natural gas marketer so you can choose your niche; you could choose to start as a major nationally integrated marketer, a broker, a producer marketer, an Aggregator or a Small geographically focused marketer. The choice is yours.
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Invest in the Oil and Gas Industry via Shares
Another means of earning money from the oil and gas industry is to invest in oil and gas related shares. Investing in the listed shares of companies that are involved in either the exploration or the production of petroleum or natural gas is an avenue to get into the oil and gas industry.
Although the shares of companies that are in the oil and gas industry is relatively high and are always in high demand. If you have a good stock broker, you could be able to buy this stock at an affordable price when they are available for sale.
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Invest Via Exchange Traded Funds
If you are an accredited investor, it is easier to gain entry into investing in Natural gas via Exchange Traded Funds. All you need do is to discuss with your Private Fund Manager and he would be able to help you get an investment portfolio in this sector through the traded equities.
It’s important to note that investing Via Exchange Traded Funds requires longer time before your investment matures compared to when you invest in stocks / shares.
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Invest Via Natural Gas Future
Another means of earning good money from the oil and gas business value chain is to invest via natural gas future. Statistics shows that Natural gas is one of the highest volume futures contract sold in the world. You can actually buy Natural gas futures contracts from your country’s Mercantile Exchange.
Loads of people jostle for these contracts because it has potential for high returns on investments. You too might want to follow suit.
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Start a Diesel Supply Business
If you are looking to own a business portfolio in the lucrative oil and gas industry and you don’t have all the money required to become a major player in the industry, then you should consider starting your own diesel supply business. Diesel supply is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to own a thriving business in the oil and gas sector.
One good thing about diesel supply business is that you can start the business from your home because the business involves going out there to market to clients and also buying diesel from the source and supplying directly to your client.
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Lubrication Oil Retail Shop
Sale of Engine Oil, Break Fluid and Hydraulic Oil et al, is a profitable and highly thriving business venture an entrepreneur who is interested in making money from the oil and gas business value chain should consider. The fact that vehicle owners subject their vehicles for servicing at regular intervals creates markets for lubrication oil products.
In recent time, there is an increase in the lubrication oil production sector as it is one business you can readily go into with the hope of making great profit.
The various needs of lube oils in homes, organizations, factories and industries just cannot be overemphasized because the populations of people who have a mechanical need for this oil have continued to increase over the years. So, for you to start out in this trade, have a good feasibility studies carried out.
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Supply of Aviation Fuel
Another prosperous and profitable business venture that an entrepreneur who is looking towards starting a business in the oil and gas industry should consider starting is the supply of aviation fuel. The supply of aviation isn’t a common type of business, the truth remains that people are smiling to the bank every day as a result of being in the supply of aviation fuel business.
This means that you will be saddles with supplying various airlines with aviation fuels at very competitive prices. It is also pertinent that you do a thorough and exhaustive research so as to arrive at the best deal for you clients.
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Go into the Sale of Petroleum Tankers
The sale of petroleum tankers is yet another thriving and profitable business venture that an investor who is looking towards investing in the oil and gas industry should consider starting. Although there are several petroleum tankers on the roads, but that does not mean that there is no market for petroleum tankers.
Part of what you need to do to get this type of business started is to negotiate with automobile companies that are into the manufacturing of petroleum tankers so that you can become their merchant.
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Start Petroleum Tanker Servicing and Maintenance Company
Another thriving and profitable business venture that an engineer who is looking towards earning money from the oil and gas value chain should consider starting is petroleum tanker servicing and maintenance business.
The truth is that, all the petroleum tankers that you see on the road all have need for regular servicing maintenance. So if your company is well positioned and you know how to network, you will secure enough deals that will fetch you good profits.
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Start Petroleum Tank Farm Servicing and Maintenance Company
Petroleum tank farm servicing and maintenance business is yet another thriving and profitable business venture that an entrepreneur who is looking towards starting a business in the oil and gas industry should consider starting. Just like there is always need for turnaround servicing and maintenance of refineries, there is always need too for turnaround servicing and maintenance of petroleum tank farms.
So if you have the background and required experience, then you should consider going into the servicing and maintenance of petroleum tank farm. You may consider having a meeting with experts and those who are already in the field so that you can know all that the business entails.
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Invest in Petroleum Tank Farm
Petroleum tank farms are places where petrol tankers come to buy fuels; it is wholesale petroleum business. So if you are looking for a thriving and profitable business to start in the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to own a petroleum tank farm.
This type of business is capital intensive, but at the same time it is a lucrative business venture and you are sure of getting huge returns on your investment.
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Start Manufacturing Cooking Gas Cylinders
Another profitable and thriving oil and gas related business that an entrepreneur who is looking towards investing in the industry should consider starting is to go into the manufacturing of cooking gas cylinders. There is indeed a large market for cooking gas cylinder.
As a matter of fact, households no longer rely on just one cylinder; they prefer to have one or more backups. This is indeed a capital intensive kind of business. It also requires loads of expertise to be able to stay afloat in this type of business.
Another lucrative business in the oil and gas business value chain that an entrepreneur should consider starting is filling station construction / building company. It is important to state that you can only successfully start this type of business only if you have the required training, experience and technical skills.
The fact that investors are investing in filling station business means that there will always be a market for engineers who are into the construction of filling stations.
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Go into the Retailing and Supply of Pumping Machines
If you have visited a gas station / filling stations, you will notice that the means of retailing fuel, diesel, gas, and kerosene et al is via a well calibrated pumping machine. This goes to show that there is a market for pumping machines.
So, if you are looking for a means if earning money in oil and gas business value chain, then one of your options is to go into the retailing and supply of pumping machines. Just ensure that you market your products to filling stations construction companies and also to filling stations. This is because having a solid marketing strategy would do your business a whole world of good.
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Start Pumping Machines Manufacturing Company
Another thriving and profitable oil and gas related business that an entrepreneur who is interested in starting a business in the industry should consider starting is to start manufacturing pumping machines. No doubt that there is a huge market for pumping machines simply because it is the major equipment needed in dispensing fuel in filling stations.
Developing and selling of oil and gas software applications is yet another cool way of making money from the business value chain in the industry. If you are a software developer, then you should consider developing customized software applications for the oil and gas industry, software applications that will help simplify processes in the industry.
You can as well work with your client to develop tailored software application that suits perfectly into their business. In marketing your product, you would have to go out of your way to convince stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to patronize you. Be sure to also assemble the best of people who will make up your team and drive your business to greater heights.
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Start an Offshore Foodstuffs Supply Business
Offshore food supply business is yet another profitable and thriving business in the value chain of the oil and gas industry that an entrepreneur can successfully launch. People that work in offshore oil and gas platforms depends on food supplies to get their groceries.
As such, if you are looking towards earning money from the oil and gas value chain, then one of your options is to start an offshore foodstuffs supply business. You would need to go all out to market your business to stakeholders in the industry that need your services. One of the ways to arrive at a list of those who would be needing your services is to draw out who your target market is.
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Start an Offshore Canteen Services
Of course people that work in offshore also eat there. As a matter of fact, it is the practice for oil and gas workers who work in offshore platforms to stay there for a period of two weeks or more. So, if you want to leverage on the business value chain in the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to start and offshore canteen services.
Although some oil and gas companies prefer employing their own cooks and kitchen / domestic employees, but some oil and gas companies prefers to outsource the management of their canteen to a caterer.
Another means of earning money from the business value chain in the oil and gas industry is to start an offshore cleaning services business; a business that is specialized in offshore cleaning. It is a cool way of making good money especially if you are able to secure one or more cleaning contracts from oil and gas companies in your country.
Hence, if you are interested in starting a business in the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to start an offshore cleaning services company.
Another means of earning cool cash from the business value chain in the oil and gas industry is to start an offshore laundry services business. There are loads of opportunities available to those who are interested in working on offshore platforms. You should be willing to go all out to market your services to stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.
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Offer Helicopter Transportation for Oil and Gas Industry
One of the major means of transporting offshore workers to and from oil rigs and offshore platforms is through helicopters / choppers. If you are a big time investor and you are looking towards investing in the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to offer helicopter transportation.
It is a means of earning cool cash from the business value chain in the oil and gas industry. Although, this type of business is highly capital intensive because of the coast of acquiring helicopters / choppers and also the cost of maintaining them as well but that does not mean that it is not a lucrative business venture.
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Start an Oil and Gas Exploration and Drilling Company
Another very lucrative oil and gas business that an investor who is interested in the industry should consider starting is oil and gas exploration and drilling company. Oil and gas exploration and drilling companies are responsible for helping countries and oil companies explore and drill oil once they are able to locate oil wells.
So, if you have the expertise and exposure to start and manage an oil and gas exploration then by all means, go ahead to start one.
Just ensure that you are well positioned to attract oil and gas exploration and drilling contracts from both the government and oil companies. Being well positioned to attract the right market is one of the things that should be on the front burner of your plans.
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Start Pipe Laying and Maintenance Company
Pipes laying and maintenance is yet another thriving and profitable business in the oil and gas industry. Pipes are one of the major means of transporting petroleum products and gas from one location to another location. As a matter of fact petroleum products can be transported to several hundreds and even thousands of kilometers from a refinery in one location to a depot in another location.
This goes to show that there is a huge market for those who are into pipe laying and maintenance. So if you are looking for a business to start in the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to start a pip laying and maintenance company.
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Start Retailing Kerosene
Another easy business that requires low start – up capital that an aspiring entrepreneur who is looking towards starting a business in the oil and gas industry is to start retailing kerosene. Unlike petrol that is highly flammable, it is safer to retail kerosene because it is not as highly flammable as petrol.
So, if you are looking towards owning a small business in the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to start retailing kerosene. All you need to do to launch this type of business are supply of kerosene, drums and measuring containers et al. This type of business is suitable for locations where residents use more of kerosene stoves than gas cookers.
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Go into the Manufacturing and Supply of Barrels (Drums)
Manufacturing and supply of barrels is yet another highly profitable and thriving business venture that an investor who is looking towards starting a business in the oil and gas industry should consider starting. Barrels are the containers / drums used in measuring crude oil hence there is a large market for it.
So if you are looking for a business to start in the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to go into the manufacturing and supply of barrels (drums). Of course your potential clients are oil companies who deal in crude oil.
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Start Health and Safety Trainings for Oil and Gas Workers
Another thriving and profitable business in the value chain of the oil and gas industry that an aspiring entrepreneur who is interested in starting a business in the industry should consider starting is health and safety training for oil and gas workers.
If you have the required background (experience and qualifications) to train on health and safety, then you should consider starting an organization that trains oil and gas workforce. As a matter of fact, health and safety is taken seriously in the oil and gas industry simply because of the risk and hazard that workers in the industry are subjected to in the bid of carrying out their jobs.
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Manufacturing and Sale of Oil and Gas Machines and Equipment
Manufacturing and sale of oil and gas machines and equipment is yet another thriving and profitable oil and gas related business that an investor who is looking towards starting a business in the industry should consider.
Oil drilling and exploration equipment, pumping machines, Casing and pipe stacking and handling equipment, Pumps, slush, oil and gas rig, Gauges and Meters, Valves, Actuators, Regulators, Cranes and lifting equipment, Hazardous Area Electrical Equipment and several other equipment and machines are marketable.
So, if you are looking for a business to start in the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to go into the manufacturing and sale of oil and gas machines and equipment.
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Start a Recruitment Agency That Specializes in Recruiting Workforce for the Oil and Gas Industry
Another means of earning money from the business value chain of the oil and gas industry is to start a recruitment agency that specializes in recruiting workforce for the oil and gas industry.
Although other recruitment agencies can as well recruit workers for the oil and gas industry, but if you are known to be a specialist in recruiting workers for the oil and gas industry, then you are likely going to be the number one choice for both the oil and gas companies who are sourcing for workers and also applicants who are looking for jobs in the oil and gas industry.
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Start an Oil and Gas University or Training Institute
Education and Training is key to any industry which is why you can find specialized universities like oil and Gas University, marine university and films and arts college et al. So, if you are looking towards starting a business in the value chain of the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to start a specialized oil and gas university or training institute.
This type of business requires proper planning and accreditations from the appropriate authorities before you can successfully launch it.
You can also gain support from major oil and gas companies if you approach them and give them reasons to see how you university can benefit them. In making this dream come to fruition, it becomes really imperative that you have like-minded people on your team, so that they can help you carry out your dream.
Another profitable and thriving business in the oil and gas industry that an entrepreneur who is looking towards starting a business in the industry can successfully start after acquiring the required training is to offer welding services.
Welding services is one of the services that are needed in the oil and gas industry. Welders in the oil and gas industry are highly trained to deliver precision welding jobs. So, if you are looking for a business to start in the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to provide welding services for oil and gas companies.
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Start Gas and Petroleum Pipeline Security Business
Gas and petroleum pipeline security business is yet another thriving and profitable business venture that an entrepreneur who is looking towards starting a business in the oil and gas industry should consider starting. The truth is that oil and gas pipelines can be vandalized by oil bunkers if the pipelines are not well secured by security experts.
Thus, if you have the required security background and you are looking towards starting a business in the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to start gas and petroleum pipeline security business. You might have to hire locals in communities where gas and petroleum pipelines passes through; it is cheaper and wiser to engage some of them in your workforce.
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Start a Crude Oil Brokerage Business
If you are looking for an oil and gas business that requires little start – up capital with pretty huge returns to start, then one of your best options is to start a crude oil brokerage business. Crude oil brokerage simply involves scouting for buyers and end users of crude oil products on behalf of one or more major independent petroleum products marketers that you have already established a sales contract with.
(Call it the offline version of affiliate marketing and you would be right). Crude oil brokerage is very lucrative, as it offers a high and fast income earning potential. In fact, it is the best opportunity for a beginning wealth builder to start a petroleum products marketing business without capital investment.
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Start a Petrochemical Refining Plant
Lastly another business that an entrepreneur who is looking towards earning money from the business value chain of the oil and gas industry should consider starting is a petrochemical refining plant. There are loads of by – products from the refining of crude oil that are highly marketable.
Petrochemicals such as Benzene, Ethylene, Ammonia, Toluene, et al are used for various purpose hence there is a large market for petrochemical products. It is for this reason that if you are looking for a business to start in the oil and gas industry, then one of your options is to open a petrochemical refining plant.
In Summary, it is wise that you know that those who are already in the oil and gas industry, and are doing pretty we’ll, have had to endure the teething stages so that they can reap more as the year progresses. You too, can join the bandwagon of the gas and oil entrepreneurs, only if you have the heart to.