what is midstream oil and gas

Midstream oil and gas is the second stage of the oil and gas industry operations, which involves the transportation, storage, and wholesale marketing of crude or refined petroleum products. Midstream activities are considered as part of other operations for much of the global oil and gas industry, and they take place after the initial production phase, known as upstream, and through to the endpoint of sale. Midstream companies operate the pipeline and gathering or transmission facilities that move the gas from the well (upstream) to homes and businesses (downstream) . Midstream operations also treat the product, remove water or waste products, compress it, and get it ready for various markets downstream. The midstream sector covers transportation, storage, and trading of crude oil, natural gas, and refined products. Midstream activities can include processing, storage, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas, using pipelines, trucking fleets, tanker ships, and rail cars.