The rise of the Mid-East 'INOC'
State-controlled Mid-East Gulf oil and gas firms are evolving in a changing world
Uncertainty over long-term oil demand, sustained lower prices and the energy transition pose challenges for the entire industry. But perhaps no group of players feel these headwinds more keenly than the Mid-East Gulf’s national oil companies (NOCs), as they butt up against the very essence of their traditional business models. These firms are developing strategies to meet these challenges and reshape themselves for a lower-carbon future—be it seeking outside investment, partnerships, a sharper trading focus or an aggressive push in the downstream. And the trend has been given a name, international NOCs, or INOCs Petroleum Economist spoke to Edward Bell, senior director, market economics at D
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices






