Gas ‘essential’ to the energy transition: Dudley
Hitting net-zero carbon emissions is impossible without natural gas, CCS and hydrogen, says departing BP leader
Bob Dudley used his final Oil & Money conference appearance as BP chief executive to passionately defend the role of natural gas in combating climate change. He says the fuel is under attack—not least from Extinction Rebellion protestors camped outside the event—and the industry has the responsibility to win over a sceptical public. Dudley, perhaps speaking more freely since announcing last week that BP upstream chief executive Bernard Looney will succeed him the end of the first quarter of next year, is concerned that “gas is being increasingly marginalised, even vilified and demonised” despite its hugely lower carbon footprint than other fossil fuels. “Some folks are saying that gas
Also in this section
20 January 2026
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the host of the 25th WPC Energy Congress on 26-30 April 2026. The Ministry of Energy spoke with Petroleum Economist about the key messages and opportunities for the global energy community.
20 January 2026
As the global energy system undergoes its most profound transformation in a century, the need for credible leadership, practical solutions and inclusive dialogue has never been greater. In 2026, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will stand at the centre of this conversation as host of the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh.
19 January 2026
Newfound optimism is emerging that a dormant exploration frontier could become a strategic energy play and—whisper it quietly—Europe’s next offshore opportunity
16 January 2026
The country’s global energy importance and domestic political fate are interlocked, highlighting its outsized oil and gas powers, and the heightened fallout risk






