With natural gas and oil trading crushing it in the first quarter, BP plc proved that even as it transitions to net zero emissions, it’s still a major fossil fuel producer, with rising global demand likely to accelerate profits through the year.

The London-based operator, which now prefers to be tagged as an “integrated energy major,” saw its profits more than triple on stronger Henry Hub natural gas and global oil prices. The  underlying replacement cost profit was $2.6 billion in 1Q2021, versus $100 million in 4Q2020, driven by “exceptional gas marketing and trading performance,” along with higher oil prices and refining margins.

“This quarter demonstrates what we mean by performing while transforming,” CEO Bernard Looney told analysts during a conference call...