FAQs

Q  What are the qualifications for membership?

A  The API Bylaws set out these qualifications:

Companies engaged in the oil and natural gas industry that meet the criteria for one of the API industry segments and are incorporated in the United States or Canada or Mexico shall be eligible for membership. Members must pay dues for all industry segments where they own assets. Service and supply companies in the oil and natural gas industry with their principal office in a country other than the United States or Canada or Mexico may be admitted to membership on approval by the API Chairman and Treasurer or their designee(s).

Q  May individuals join API?

A  API's individual membership program was discontinued in 1997.

Q  Do you offer an associate membership?

A  We only offer corporate membership to those companies involved in the oil and natural gas industry.  There is no membership category for organizations outside of the industry.

Q  I work for an oil company that is not located in North America and we would like to join API.  Would we qualify?

A  We're sorry, but only petroleum companies incorporated in, or having their principal office in North America are eligible for membership

Q  Are government agencies eligible for membership?

A  We’re sorry but only companies engaged in the oil and natural gas industry that meet the criteria for one of the API industry segments and are incorporated in the United States or Canada or Mexico are eligible for membership.

Q  Are universities with programs or special interests in the oil and gas industry eligible for membership?

A  No, except for maritime academies, which are eligible for membership in the Marine Segment.  However, we're certainly interested in working with you, even if you're not eligible for formal membership.

Q  My company is located outside of North America, but we supply the oil and gas industry with products or services.  Are we eligible for membership?

A  API Bylaws provide that service and supply companies in the oil and natural gas industry with their principal office in a country other than the United States, Canada or Mexico may be admitted to membership on approval by the API Chairman and Treasurer or their designee(s).  If you think your company meets these qualifications, please apply.

Q  My company provides management consulting services or financial consulting services to the oil and gas industry.  Are we eligible for membership?

A  Companies that provide management consulting services or financial services are not eligible.

Q I am a member of the API chapter in my community but my company is not a member of API at the national level.  Does this entitle me to any benefits at the national level?

A  No; membership in local chapters is for local activities only (we'd be happy to talk with your company about the benefits of membership.  Just contact us at membership@api.org).

Q  My company is a corporate member of API.  When I buy publications or sign up for conferences, am I supposed to use a special number or other designation?

A  No, API does not issue membership numbers.  The API database includes information on all of our member companies, so we verify that information when you contact us.

Q  My company is affiliated with one of your members. Am I eligible for member discounts?

A  Membership benefits are extended only to corporate members and their wholly owned subsidiaries. If you have a question about your company’s membership status, please contact us at membership@api.org.

Q  Can a single division of a company join API?

A  API offers only corporate memberships, so a corporation must pay on all of its oil and gas operations or sales. In some instances, only a single division of a company is involved in the oil and natural gas industry, and in those cases, that division can be designated as the API member.

Q  How long does a membership application take to process?

A  We can extend benefits to you as soon as we receive the funds via check, credit card or wire, and your membership will be officially activated the day the check or wire clears the bank.

Q  Isn’t API just for the major oil companies?

A  No, API has 400 members involved in all aspects of the oil and gas industry, so the vast majority of our members are non-integrated oil and gas companies, pipeline companies, marine companies and their suppliers.

Q  How much does a membership cost?

A  Oil and natural gas company dues are volumetrically based, so it depends on the size of the company and its involvement in the API segments.

Pipeline dues are based on total pipeline throughput in barrel-miles of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and other hazardous liquids as defined in 49 CFR part 195 for all pipeline systems owned or operated by your company (including subsidiaries). 

Dues for service and supply members are based on sales to the U.S. petroleum industry, beginning at $1,375.

Marine members that are not oil companies pay a flat fee.

Q  Is a list of your members available for purchase?

A  Sorry, we do not provide or sell our membership list.  Many of our members, however, have links on our website.  To visit them, please click here.