is exploration and production e p upstream 
yes exploration and production e p is considered part of the upstream phase which is the initial part of the oil and gas process that consists of exploration drilling and extraction the bottom linefinding and extracting oil and natural gas from the earth s surface is a deeply controversial and complex process that requires lots of money patience and hard work it s necessary though without these resources which are used to power vehicles heat buildings produce electricity and even to make products such as deodorant mri machines and pacemakers the economy and life as we know it would grind to a standstill 