The downturn in oil prices is prompting some Exxon executives to consider the case for establishing a trading division that buys and sells other producers' crude and refined products, as well as its own, the FT reported.

Exxon, the world's largest publicly traded oil producer, is expected to report its third quarter results on Friday. (http://on.ft.com/2fjJ5bH)

The company was not immediately available for comment.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)