Understanding Petronas Business Segments and Structure

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Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur
Credit: pexels.com, Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur

Petronas is a Malaysian multinational oil and gas company with a complex business structure. The company operates through several business segments, each with its own unique functions and responsibilities.

The Upstream segment is responsible for the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. It is the largest contributor to Petronas' revenue.

Petronas has a strong presence in the Upstream segment, with operations in over 20 countries worldwide. The segment is responsible for producing a significant portion of the company's total oil and gas output.

Petronas' Downstream segment, on the other hand, focuses on refining, trading, and marketing of petroleum products. It is a crucial part of the company's business, providing essential services to customers around the world.

Business Operations

Petronas is organized into four major business segments: Upstream, Gas and Energy, Downstream, and Project Delivery and Technology.

The Upstream segment manages the search for and recovery of crude oil and natural gas, while the Downstream segment handles manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of oil products and chemicals.

Credit: youtube.com, Malaysia's Petronas: From Humble Beginnings to Global Power

Petronas' primary business is the management of a vertically integrated oil company, covering exploration, production, transportation, refining, and trading and marketing.

Here's a breakdown of Petronas' business segments:

The Downstream operations generate the majority of Petronas' profits worldwide, with a global network of over 1,000 petrol stations and various oil refineries.

Possible Solution

Finding a solution to the dispute between Petronas and the Sarawak state government won't be easy, but several analysts suggest that middle ground is necessary to break the impasse.

Several analysts believe that both parties should turn to the courts to settle the issue, as suggested by former law minister Zaid Ibrahim.

Petronas already has long-term supply arrangements with parties in Japan and Korea for gas extracted from the state and liquefied at the Petronas Bintulu LNG Complex in Sarawak, which is ranked as one of the largest in the world.

A profit-sharing arrangement could work for new discoveries, but it's unclear if it would be feasible for existing contracts.

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The revenue over cost (R/C) model adopted by Petronas in 1997 gives the company a higher share of profit oil as the R/C ratio increases, earning them 13.3% on this model.

In contrast, the deep-water model earns Petronas 12.5%, while the federal government earns 37% on the R/C model and 25% on the deep-water model.

This highlights the complexities of the current arrangement and the need for a more flexible and equitable solution.

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Business Segments

Petronas is a large and complex company with multiple business segments. It's organized into four major areas: Upstream, Gas and Energy, Downstream, and Project Delivery and Technology.

The Upstream segment manages the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. This involves searching for and recovering oil and gas, as well as operating the necessary infrastructure to deliver it to the market.

Petronas' Downstream segment is responsible for manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of oil products and chemicals. This includes refining, supplying, and shipping crude oil.

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The Gas and Energy segment focuses on liquefying natural gas and converting it into liquids. This segment also explores low-carbon opportunities.

Project Delivery and Technology manages the delivery of Petronas' major projects and provides technical services and technology capability. It also oversees health, safety, and environment, as well as contracting and procurement.

Here are the four business segments of Petronas:

  • Upstream
  • Gas and Energy
  • Downstream
  • Project Delivery and Technology

21st Century

In the 21st century, Petronas has continued to adapt and evolve its business operations. Today, the company is organized into four major business segments: Upstream, Gas and Energy, Downstream, and Project Delivery and Technology.

Petronas' Upstream segment manages the search for and recovery of crude oil and natural gas, as well as the upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver oil and gas to the market. Its activities are organized primarily within geographic units, although there are some activities that are managed across the business or provided through support units.

Credit: youtube.com, Managing in 21st Century

The company has also adopted various production-sharing contracts (PSCs) to manage its oil and gas activities. One such PSC was signed between Petronas and other foreign oil companies in 1976, with a 70:30 ratio for the division of profit oil. Under this contract, Petronas takes 70% of the profit oil, while the remaining 30% is shared among the other oil companies.

Here's a breakdown of the revenue sharing under the 1976 PSC:

In addition to the 1976 PSC, Petronas has also adopted other PSC models, including the deep-water model in 1985 and the revenue over cost (R/C) model in 1997. These models have allowed for more flexible revenue sharing, depending on the depth of the oil and gas reserves and the cost of exploration.

Petronas' Downstream segment, on the other hand, manages the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of oil products and chemicals. This segment generates the majority of the company's profits worldwide, with a global network of over 1,000 petrol stations and various oil refineries.

In recent years, Petronas has faced some challenges in its business operations, including a pipeline blaze that impacted its Q2 profit in 2025. The company's net profit dipped 2.3% to RM450.1 million for the quarter, mainly due to the recognition of costs incurred for gas supply restoration works following the incident.

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Organizational Structure

Credit: youtube.com, People Dynamics in Malaysians Organization: Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS)

Petronas has a well-defined organizational structure that allows it to effectively manage its various business operations. The company has a number of subsidiaries that operate in different sectors.

Petronas has a diverse range of subsidiaries, including Petronas Carigali, which is responsible for hydrocarbon exploration and production within Malaysia. Petronas Dagangan, on the other hand, focuses on the distribution and sale of finished petroleum products.

One of the key subsidiaries of Petronas is Petronas Gas, which provides gas processing and transmission services to the company and its customers. Petronas Gas also owns and operates the Peninsular Gas Pipeline, which is 2,550 kilometres in length.

Petronas has a significant presence in the shipping industry through its subsidiary, MISC Berhad. MISC Berhad is involved in ship-owning, ship-operating, and other logistics and maritime transportation services.

Petronas also has a property subsidiary called KLCC Properties, which is responsible for the development and management of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre project. The project includes the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and other notable landmarks.

Credit: youtube.com, POL3042 STRATEGIC PLANNING (PETRONAS) by DHURGASHINI A/P BALASUBRAMANIAM (S71242)

Here are some of the main subsidiaries of Petronas, grouped by sector:

  • Petroleum: Petronas Carigali, Petronas Dagangan, Petronas Gas
  • Shipping: MISC Berhad
  • Property: KLCC Properties
  • Petrochemicals: Petronas Chemicals
  • Engineering: Malaysian Marine and Heavy Engineering
  • Lubricants: Petronas Lubricants International

Petronas Chemicals is one of the company's largest subsidiaries, with a significant presence in the petrochemical industry. In 2022, the company acquired Swedish speciality plastics company Perstorp from PAI Partners for €2.3 billion.

Industry and Market

Petronas is a Malaysian oil and gas company that operates globally.

The company was founded in 1974 and has since grown into one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world.

Petronas has a diverse range of businesses including upstream, downstream, and gas and power operations.

The company's upstream operations involve exploring and producing oil and gas from various fields around the world.

Petronas has a significant presence in the Asia Pacific region, with operations in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

The company's downstream operations include refining and marketing petroleum products, as well as manufacturing and trading chemicals.

Credit: youtube.com, Petronas exploring renewable energy market

Petronas has a strong focus on sustainability and has set targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and improve its environmental performance.

The company has invested heavily in renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power.

Petronas has a significant stake in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, with several major projects underway around the world.

Performance and Results

Petronas is a Malaysian oil and gas company that has consistently delivered impressive performance and results. The company's revenue has grown significantly over the years, with a major milestone being the $1.5 billion revenue generated in 2019.

Petronas has also made notable investments in various sectors, including renewable energy. In 2017, the company invested $1 billion in the Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) project, which is expected to increase the company's revenue by 2025.

The company's focus on innovation has also led to the development of cutting-edge technologies, such as the use of drones for inspection and maintenance purposes.

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Financial Structure

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PETRONAS has a diversified revenue stream, with 50% of its revenue coming from petroleum exports in 2007.

Its financial structure has remained relatively consistent over the years, with international operations accounting for 33% of total revenue in 2020.

The company provides significant dividends to the Malaysian government, with a total of RM 403.3 billion paid since its inception in 1974.

In 2008, PETRONAS paid RM 67.6 billion in dividends, which represented 44% of the federal government's revenue that year.

The company's dividend payments have continued to be substantial, with RM 54 billion paid to the federal government in 2019.

PETRONAS contributed RM 50 billion to the federal government in 2022, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the Malaysian economy.

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Gas Sees Dip in Q2 Profit

Petronas Gas saw a dip in its Q2 profit, with a net profit of RM450.1 million, a 2.3% decrease from the same period last year.

The company's revenue fell 3.5% year-on-year to RM1.59 billion, while expenses rose.

Dramatic interior view of the Petronas Towers atrium in Kuala Lumpur with illuminated ceiling and central elevator.
Credit: pexels.com, Dramatic interior view of the Petronas Towers atrium in Kuala Lumpur with illuminated ceiling and central elevator.

The gas transportation segment was the main culprit, with a gross profit decline of 23% year-on-year due to the recognition of costs incurred for gas supply restoration works following the Putra Heights incident.

More than a third of the estimated RM60 million impact to FY2025F earnings was captured in Q2 FY2025.

The weakness in the gas transportation segment was partly offset by improved performance in the utilities segment, with a gross profit increase of 14% year-on-year.

The gas processing segment saw a slight uptick in gross profit due to lower operating costs.

The restoration works on pipeline assets following the Putra Heights incident involve two phases, with Phase 1 successfully completed in July 2025.

The costs associated with Phase 1 restoration, estimated at RM26 million, were expensed out due to the expected short life of the bypass pipeline.

Petronas Gas had earlier guided a total financial impact of RM170 million associated with repair works and asset restoration.

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Locations and Presence

Credit: youtube.com, PETRONAS Lubricants International and Energica Motor Company announcing the partnership!

Petronas has a significant presence in various parts of the world. Petronas has multiple locations in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and Selangor.

You can find Petronas' main office in Kuala Lumpur at Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur 50088, MY. The address is easily accessible with the "Get directions" feature.

Petronas also has a presence in other countries such as the United States, Canada, China, Japan, and Turkmenistan. Here is a list of some of Petronas' international locations:

  • Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur 59200, MY (Menara BT)
  • Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur 59200, MY (The Vertical)
  • Guangzhou 510623, CN (Pearl River Tower)
  • Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0062, JP (Nisseki Yokohama Building)
  • SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 1M4, CA
  • Fort St. John, B.C. V1J 4M6, CA
  • Houston, Texas 77027, US
  • 81 (Block-B) Turkmenbashy Shayolya, Ashgabat 744027, TM

Petronas operates in various sectors, including Oil and Gas, Information Technology & Services, and Financial Services.

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

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