The Top 10 Richest Energy and Oil Billionaires in 2025
The energy and oil sectors have long been at the heart of global wealth creation, producing some of the world’s most influential billionaires. From pioneering exploration and refining to building vast energy conglomerates, these individuals have turned natural resources into staggering fortunes. As of 2025, their combined wealth underscores the enduring power and profitability of the oil and energy industries, offering insights into how strategic investments, diversification, and market influence shape some of the planet’s richest people.
Mukesh Ambani – $150 Billion
Mukesh Ambani, India’s business magnate, is the chairman and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries, a conglomerate with interests in petrochemicals, refining, and telecommunications. Under his leadership, Reliance has become one of the most valuable companies in India, and Ambani himself has amassed a fortune of $150 billion. He is also known for his residence, Antilia, considered one of the world’s most expensive private homes.
Leonard Blavatnik – $123 Billion
British-American industrialist Leonard Blavatnik made his fortune through investments in the Russian oil sector, most notably via TNK-BP, which was later sold to Rosneft. As founder of the Renova Group, Blavatnik has diversified holdings in chemicals, media, and energy, making him one of the wealthiest figures in the global oil industry with a net worth of $123 billion.
Sir Leonard Blavatnik
Gina Rinehart – $108 Billion
Australia’s Gina Rinehart inherited her father’s mining empire and expanded into oil and gas projects, significantly growing her wealth. As the head of Hancock Prospecting, Rinehart has become one of the most influential figures in the global energy and mining sectors, with a fortune estimated at $108 billion. Her business acumen and strategic investments have solidified her status as the wealthiest woman in the industry.
Gina Rinehart
Vagit Alekperov – $28.7 Billion
Vagit Alekperov, former president of Lukoil, played a pivotal role in transforming the company into one of Russia’s largest oil producers. His strategic leadership and management of exploration, refining, and marketing operations have earned him a personal net worth of $28.7 billion, making him one of the top energy billionaires in the world.
Vagit Alekperov
Alexei Mordashov – $28.6 Billion
Alexei Mordashov is the CEO and principal owner of Severstal, a leading steel producer, and has made substantial investments in the energy sector, including oil and gas. His diversified portfolio and successful business strategies have generated a net worth of $28.6 billion, positioning him among Russia’s wealthiest industrialists.
Leonid Mikhelson – $27.5 Billion
As CEO of Novatek, Russia’s largest independent natural gas producer, Leonid Mikhelson oversees operations that span exploration, production, and export. Mikhelson’s leadership and investments in both oil and gas have secured his fortune of $27.5 billion, making him a key figure in the global energy market.
Vladimir Lisin – $26.8 Billion
Vladimir Lisin is the chairman of NLMK Group, one of the world’s largest steel producers, and holds extensive investments in energy. His diversified holdings and strategic acquisitions in the oil and energy sectors have contributed to a net worth of $26.8 billion, reflecting his influence in both steel and energy markets.
Vladimir Potanin – $25.9 Billion
Vladimir Potanin is the owner of Norilsk Nickel, a leading global producer of nickel and palladium, with significant energy investments. Potanin’s business strategies have made him one of Russia’s most prominent billionaires, with a net worth of $25.9 billion, highlighting his impact on both metals and energy industries.
George Kaiser – $15.4 Billion
American billionaire George Kaiser controls Kaiser-Francis Oil and is a major shareholder in BOK Financial. His wealth of $15.4 billion comes from a combination of oil and gas exploration, production, and banking investments. Kaiser is also known for philanthropic activities, including contributions to education and healthcare.
George Kaiser
Michael Sabel – $12.8 Billion
Michael Sabel co-founded Alta Mesa Resources, focusing on oil exploration and production in the United States. His strategic approach to energy investments has led to a personal fortune of $12.8 billion, reflecting his influence in the American oil and gas sector.
Conclusion
These top 10 billionaires have shaped the global energy and oil industries through strategic investments, innovative business models, and diversified portfolios. Their wealth reflects the continued profitability of the sector, even as the world gradually transitions toward renewable energy. Investors, businesses, and policymakers alike watch their decisions closely, as they can influence energy markets, policy, and global economic trends.
FAQ – Energy Billionaires
-
How do these billionaires make their wealth?
Their fortunes primarily come from ownership stakes in major oil and gas companies, strategic investments, and expansion into related energy sectors. -
Are women represented among the top energy billionaires?
Yes, Gina Rinehart stands out as a leading female billionaire in energy, heading Hancock Prospecting and expanding into oil and gas. -
How do these billionaires influence the global energy market?
Their investment decisions and business strategies can impact oil prices, energy supply, corporate taxation, and the pace of the renewable energy transition.
