The time it takes to construct oil pipelines varies mainly based on the size. Small pipelines could take up to a year to build and large pipelines could take 4+ years. Pipeline projects could have their timeline increased by additional factors such as the terrain, engineering challenges, and regulations where the pipeline is going to be built.

The first step in pipeline construction is planning what areas it will be built in. Next would be to acquire the right permits to build so the land can be cleared and trenches can be dug. Once trenches are dug, pipes need to be welded and tested. After the pipes clear testing they can be laid and the excavated land can be filled back in.

Depending on the size of the refinery it can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years. Location is another large factor that can add time to the construction process due to things like local climate, regulations, and permits required to start building. Once the construction project has been approved considerations should still be made for testing or engineering challenges.

Upstream oil and gas processes would include searching for resource reserves and then drilling and extracting them. Downstream oil and gas processes would be refining, marketing, distributing, and selling those acquired resources into products we commonly use like gasoline, jet fuel, plastic products, and petrochemicals.

A refinery converts oil into products like fuel, heating oil, waxes, and lubricants with distillation and other processes. A petrochemical plant works downstream from the refinery by converting its products and natural gas into commonly used chemical products, pharmaceuticals, and plastics from processes like polymerization.