ABSTRACT
The structure of the industry has evolved and changed as oil became the single most important commodity in the world economy. Rockefeller in the early days of the industry set the pattern. He of course was a book-keeper. His Standard Oil Trust through its operations was the main begetter of the anti-trust laws in the United States. Yet his big oil was tiny in comparison with today's operations. The author discusses his introduction to the oil scene in the 1930s. He joined ICI to work on their project to make oil, particularly petrol, from coal. In the 1920s, oil production was but 5 per cent or less of today's production. In author's view the independent oil companies, vast, large, medium and beginners are essential, absolutely essential to the growth and prosperity of the industrialised world. Their past contributions have been enormous and will remain so in the future.
