# Anglo-Persian Oil Company

> English energy company founded in 1908

**Wikidata**: [Q267380](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q267380)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Persian_Oil_Company)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/anglo-persian-oil-company

## Summary
The Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC) was a British oil company founded in 1908, primarily engaged in petroleum extraction and refining. It played a central role in the early development of Iran's oil industry and was a precursor to BP. The company operated until its dissolution in 1955.

## Key Facts
- Founded: 1908
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Industry: Petroleum industry
- Primary activity: Extraction of petroleum
- Notable subsidiary: Abadan Refinery (operated from 1910)
- Predecessor to: BP (British Petroleum)
- Aliases: APOC, Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC), Scottish Oils
- Dissolved: 1955
- Notable connection: Operated the Abadan Refinery in Iran
- Related industries: Oil company, Business, Gasoline, Extraction of petroleum

## FAQs

### What was the Anglo-Persian Oil Company?
Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC) was a British-registered oil company established in 1908 to explore and develop oil resources in Persia (modern-day Iran). It was a key player in the early 20th-century oil industry and was later succeeded by BP.

### When was APOC founded?
The company was incorporated in 1908 and formally launched operations in 1909.

### What is the connection between APOC and BP?
BP was formed from the reorganization of APOC, making it a direct predecessor to the modern British Petroleum, which was officially founded in 1909 as a legal continuation of APOC's operations.

### What industries was APOC involved in?
APOC was primarily involved in the petroleum industry, focusing on the extraction and refining of oil, particularly in the context of early 20th-century energy expansion.

### What is the significance of the Abadan Refinery?
The Abadan Refinery, located in Iran, was one of APOC’s key operational assets, beginning operations in 1910. It became central to the company's oil refining operations in the region.

### What happened to APOC?
Anglo-Persian Oil Company was dissolved in 1955, after which its operations and assets were integrated into BP (British Petroleum), which continued its legacy.

### What were APOC’s key aliases?
APOC was also known as the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC), APOC, and Scottish Oils.

## Why It Matters
The Anglo-Persian Oil Company was instrumental in the early development of the global oil economy, particularly through its operations in Persia. It laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most powerful energy companies in the world — BP. Its discovery and development of oil fields in Iran shifted the geopolitical landscape and influenced the formation of modern energy markets. The company's actions also played a role in shaping the British government's energy policy and its relationship with Iran.

## Notable For
- First major Western oil company to operate in Persia
- Pioneering large-scale oil extraction in the Middle East
- Establishing the Abadan Refinery, one of the largest in the world at the time
- Directly led to the formation of the modern BP
- Influential in shaping the oil policies that led to the nationalization of the Iranian oil industry in 1951

## Body

### History
The Anglo-Persian Oil Company was established in 1908, with operations beginning in 1909. It was a British enterprise created to exploit oil resources in Persia (modern-day Iran). The company was involved in the petroleum industry, focusing on the extraction and production of oil. It played a foundational role in the development of what would later become British Petroleum (BP), which was formally incorporated in 1909, succeeding APOC.

### Operations and Legacy
APOC was involved in the operation of the Abadan Refinery, located in Abadan, Iran, which began operations in 1910. This facility was one of the most significant assets of APOC and became central to its oil production. The company was dissolved in 1955, and its operations were absorbed into BP, which continued its legacy in the global oil market.

### Geographical and Operational Context
APOC was based in the United Kingdom, with its key operations centered in the Middle East, particularly in Iran. The company's most significant facility, the Abadan Refinery, was located in Iran and was one of the largest refineries in the world at the time. The refinery was a critical part of APOC's strategy to refine and export oil from the region.

### Predecessor to BP
APOC was officially succeeded by BP (British Petroleum), which continued many of its operations and integrated its assets into a broader global energy portfolio. The company's early operations laid the groundwork for one of the most powerful energy companies in the world.

### Influence on Energy Markets
The company's operations in the early 20th century helped establish the framework for the modern global oil trade. Its activities in Persia, particularly through the development of the Abadan Refinery, positioned the British Empire as a key player in the oil industry. The geopolitical implications of APOC's presence in Persia also influenced the formation of modern energy policies in the Middle East.

### Aliases and Names
Anglo-Persian Oil Company was also known by several names, including:
- Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC)
- APOC
- Scottish Oils

These names reflect the company's branding and operational identities throughout its existence.

### Dissolution and Legacy
APOC was dissolved in 1955, with its operations and assets integrated into BP. This transition marked the end of APOC as a standalone entity but ensured the continuation of its legacy in the global energy sector. The company's influence on the oil industry, particularly in the Middle East, remains significant to this day.

## References

1. 20th Century Press Archives
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013