Who began the exploit of Middle East oil reserves?

In the very beginning, who was it that founded these massive reserves?Who began the exploit of Middle East oil reserves?
shell oil.Who began the exploit of Middle East oil reserves?
I think it was British Petroleum, [BP].





Then an Englishman, Lawrence, helped the Arabs to unite, so they would get more money for their oil.


He dressed like an Arab %26amp; was known as ';Lawrence of Arabia';.