Polish Oil & Gas Company (PGNiG) became a member of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers, an organization that comprises more than 70 companies and industry associations from the upstream sector, including BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, MOL, OMV, Petronas, Statoil and Wintershall. Members of IOGP are responsible for more than one third of global oil and gas production. PGNiG is the only Polish entity in the association.

“As we plan to extend our upstream activities we are willing to share our knowledge and at the same time we hope to learn from our new partners within IOGP. Enjoying the membership will allow us to get involved in joint initiatives with other exploration and production stakeholders from the whole world. This will help our capital group develop in the upstream area according to the best global standards”, commented Piotr Woźniak, President of the PGNiG Management Board. “In Brussels IOGP has a reputation of well-respected partner in discussion. It is also aware of perspective of countries such as Poland which remains under pressure of one dominant supplier of imported natural gas. We hope for cooperation that will result in creating joint position and statements on the European forum that will include the specifics of our region”, he added.

Commenting on the Association’s newest member, IOGP Executive Director Gordon Ballard said: “It’s a milestone for us to welcome our first member from Poland.  We look forward to PGNiG’s unique insights and expertise as well as the company’s active participation in the work on the Association’s 14 Committees covering every aspect of upstream operations”. 

Established in 1974 in London IOGP also has offices in Brussels and Houston. The organization conducts advocacy on a number of topics, including the importance of natural gas and its role in Europe’s indigenous energy mix. An important part of IOGP’s role is to monitor European Union legislation relating to the exploration and production sector as well as to the internal energy market. More globally, IOGP is also an important source of industry reports, sector analyses, technical expertise and performance indicators for oil and gas professionals. In addition, IOGP manages a number of independently-financed projects focusing on environment and safety with an aim to improving industry performance in these areas.

PGNiG is the leader of the Polish natural gas market. Listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange the company’s core business includes exploration and production of natural gas and crude oil fields. Its key subsidiaries import, store, sell and distributes gaseous and liquid fuels. They also generate heat and electricity. PGNiG hold stake in about 30 companies including entities that provide professional geophysical, drilling and maintenance services. Munich-based PGNiG Sales & Trading is engaged in gas trading in Western Europe. PGNiG holds exploration and production licenses on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and in Pakistan.