Industries
The oil and chemical industries are heavily influenced by both local and global dynamics. Rising energy demand coincides with evolving government regulations and climate policies, creating strategic uncertainty. At the same time, the chemical sector faces added pressure from volatile commodity prices and shifting global demand patterns. These factors make reliable long-term planning increasingly difficult in an environment marked by policy fluctuations and market instability.
Up to 30%
in operational cost reduction
Up to 20%
in logistics cost reduction
Up to 25%
in asset optimization
Overview
Overview
There are five key areas that highlight the challenges currently faced by the oil & chemical industries as they try to balance regulatory, competitive and cost pressures.
Finance & performance management :
To address financial and performance challenges, the oil and chemical industry is focusing on cost optimization, capital discipline and digital finance tools. Companies are leveraging advanced analytics and performance dashboards to improve decision-making, streamline operations and enhance ROI. In a volatile market, scenario planning, portfolio rationalization and tighter control over capital expenditures are critical to maintaining financial resilience and long-term value creation.
Regulatory compliance :
Growing regulatory pressure around environmental standards, safety protocols and emissions reporting are a challenge to the industry. Navigating differing international regulations adds complexity, especially for global operations. Keeping pace with evolving compliance requirements demands constant monitoring, cross-border coordination and investment in reporting and audit systems.
Sustainability :
Rising pressure to cut emissions, reduce waste and adopt sustainable practices increase the pressure on the industry. Meeting these goals while maintaining profitability requires investment in clean technologies and transparent ESG reporting.
Complex global supply chains :
The oil and chemical industry tackles global supply chain challenges by investing in digital tools, diversifying suppliers and improving logistics visibility. These efforts help manage risks from geopolitical tensions, material shortages and transportation disruptions.
Digital transformation :
The industry faces challenges in adopting digital transformation due to legacy systems, high implementation costs and workforce upskilling needs. While digital tools can boost efficiency and innovation, integrating them into complex operations requires careful planning, cultural change and strong data governance.
Why Horváth
Why Horváth
Horváth helps oil, gas and chemical companies navigate market volatility, regulatory pressure and the global push toward decarbonization and circularity. Consultants bring a combination of deep industry knowledge and strategic execution expertise, supporting clients in optimizing operations, driving innovation and future-proofing their business models.
Consulting services are forward-looking and tailored to the complexities of the oil and chemical sectors. They bring together proven methodologies, hands-on project delivery and cross-industry insights to help clients navigate uncertainty, transform operations and accelerate their energy and sustainability transitions.
In an industry marked by energy transition, ESG imperatives and evolving customer demands, Horváth helps clients to:
- Adapt business models to balance profitability with sustainability and align portfolios with low-carbon and specialty segments
- Optimize asset performance, supply chains, and capital efficiency across upstream, midstream, downstream and chemical operations
- Implement digital transformation using advanced analytics, AI and automation for predictive maintenance, process control and operational efficiency
- Redesign operating models and organizations to support agility, compliance and global competitiveness
- Meet regulatory and ESG expectations with robust sustainability strategies, reporting frameworks and circular economy initiatives
Case studies
Case studies/testimonials
Operations performance
Business strategy
Oil & Chemicals
Oil & Chemicals
WHO
US headquartered global chemical corporation and key automotive supplier.
WHAT
The client faced declining profitability and operational inefficiencies. Disconnected processes and rising market pressures hindered performance and growth.
HOW
Led a global business transformation for our client to drive profitability across 30 international sites, supporting market leadership through end-to-end organizational change.
WHO
Leading German company specializing in the development and production of vision systems for commercial vehicles (MEKRA Lang).
WHAT
The client faced growing pressure to reduce emissions across their value chain, particularly from upstream chemical suppliers. Lacking a clear strategy and internal expertise, they needed guidance to develop and implement a comprehensive decarbonization approach.
HOW
With our help, the client launched a decarbonization strategy, including Scope 3 emissions, leveraging chemical industry expertise to address upstream supplier impacts.
WHO
Financial planning & analysis: Re-design of group planning and projection.
WHAT
Transparency regarding financial figures was given but not in terms of underlying developments throughout the group. Planning and projection were made in different tools (based on Excel/Access and the legal consolidation tool) and followed different structures.
HOW
Basis for new planning and projection are KPI-models which were specified for the different business units and the respective steering approach. Both planning and projection take place in a new consistent tool based on SAP BI IP and follow KPI-models. A workflow steering (based on Agimendo Process) ensures a compelling process management and a flexible ad-hoc reporting is available with BO Analysis.
WHO
Post-merger integration of more than 20 legal entities into a single consolidated country organization.
WHAT
The challenge involved supporting the post-merger integration of more than 20 legal entities into a single consolidated country organization. This required aligning diverse corporate cultures, harmonizing processes and systems, and ensuring legal, financial and operational integration — all while maintaining business continuity and stakeholder engagement throughout the transition.
HOW
The client was supported through a structured approach to organizational change, starting with targeted interviews to assess the initial situation. Based on these insights, Horváth developed a tailored change concept, defined the overall change journey, and established KPIs to track progress. The change was brought to life through a series of workshops across all management levels and a communication strategy that was executed as planned to ensure transparency and alignment throughout the organization.
Solutions expertise
Solutions expertise
Operations Performance
Technology Acceleration
Business Strategy
Finance Excellence
Connect with Horváth
Your Contact
Thomas Eger