The oil and gas sector is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the world. From health and safety standards to environmental laws and anti-corruption frameworks, companies operating across the energy value chain must navigate a complex landscape of compliance requirements. Procurement plays a central role in this, as supply chains often span multiple jurisdictions, involve high-value contracts, and rely on third-party providers to deliver mission-critical goods and services.
Health, safety, and environmental standards
In oil and gas, procurement decisions cannot be driven solely by cost. Suppliers must meet stringent health and safety (HSE) standards, as well as environmental obligations, while logistics partners must adhere to strict safety protocols for hazardous materials. Ensuring these requirements are met not only reduces legal risk but also protects a company’s licence to operate.
Anti-bribery and corruption
With procurement activities often spanning regions where corruption risk is elevated, compliance with anti-bribery laws such as the UK Bribery Act and the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act is vital. Procurement teams must embed due diligence into their supplier onboarding processes and establish transparent governance structures to mitigate risk. Effective monitoring and auditing of supplier relationships also strengthens protection against reputational and financial damage.
Local content and trade regulations
Many countries with oil and gas reserves impose local content rules, requiring a percentage of procurement spend to be directed toward domestic suppliers or labour. While this can strengthen host-country relations, it requires careful balancing to ensure quality and competitiveness are not compromised. Similarly, international trade sanctions and export controls add another layer of complexity, demanding close monitoring of suppliers and sub-contractors to ensure full compliance.
Data, digitalisation, and transparency
As procurement increasingly leverages digital tools, data protection and cybersecurity regulations must also be factored into supplier selection and contracting. Moreover, regulatory expectations for transparency around ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics are growing. Oil and gas procurement leaders must be prepared to demonstrate not only compliance but also progress on sustainability commitments.
How Accelerate can help with oil and gas procurement
At Accelerate, we understand that compliance in oil and gas procurement is about more than ticking boxes, it’s about enabling secure, sustainable growth. Our procurement consultants bring deep expertise in supplier due diligence, governance frameworks, and regulatory alignment, backed by hands-on experience across complex global supply chains. Whether it’s ensuring HSE compliance, managing local content obligations, or embedding robust anti-bribery controls, we help our clients build procurement strategies that are both resilient and compliant. We help businesses within the oil and gas sector turn regulatory complexity into a competitive advantage.