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Share of Natural gas produced from the three largest tight oil-producing plays in the United States has increased in the last decade.

Share of natural gas production in US tight oil plays increased over the last decade

Natural gas produced from the three largest tight oil-producing plays in the United States has increased in the last decade. Share of Natural gas comprised 40% of total production from the Bakken, the Eagle Ford, and the Permian compared with 29% in 2014.

Combined crude oil and natural gas production from tight oil plays has seen remarkable growth. It has more than doubled over the past decade. This substantial increase can be largely attributed to the advancements in extraction technologies. Notably hydraulic fracturing and commonly referred to as fracking. It is a horizontal drilling technique. These innovations have revolutionized the energy sector by enabling producers to access previously unreachable reserves of crude oil and natural gas trapped in tight formations. As a result, the landscape of energy production in the United States and globally has shifted significantly, with an expanding array of resources becoming available for both domestic consumption and international export.

Production of Natural Gas

In particular, the production of associated natural gas, which is derived from oil wells primarily producing crude oil, has outpaced the growth of crude oil output during this period. Specifically, natural gas production from these tight oil plays has more than tripled, reflecting a remarkable increase of 22 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d). In contrast, crude oil production has more than doubled, resulting in an additional 4 million barrels per day (b/d). This dynamic shift underscores the interlinked nature of oil and gas production and highlights the growing importance of natural gas as a critical component of the energy portfolio. As market dynamics evolve, stakeholders within the industry must adapt to these changes, balancing the extraction of both resources while considering environmental impacts and regulatory frameworks.

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Source: EIA

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Oil was written off

Oil was written off. Now it’s the most productive US industry

In a remote and arid expanse of sagebrush country situated near the Texas-New Mexico border Oil was written off. Engineers at Matador Resources Co. encountered a significant challenge that threatened the viability of their drilling operations. The prevailing methodology in the oil industry typically necessitated the drilling of four separate wells. That would penetrate vertically into the ground before extending horizontally to tap into the lucrative layers of oil-saturated rock. This technique has been refined and optimized by the U.S. shale industry over the years.

It relies heavily on the ability to maximize the reach of each well to ensure profitability. However, the specific characteristics of the land in question—particularly its limited width—posed constraints. It would hinder the efficiency of this conventional approach, leading the engineers to seek alternative solutions.

The Dillema

In response to this dilemma, the engineers devised an innovative drilling strategy. It involves a U-turn technique. After initially boring vertically down to the shale layer, they expertly navigated the drill bit sideways. It is for an impressive distance of one mile, executing a precise curve before drilling back to the original vertical entry point.

This novel approach proved to be highly effective, enabling Matador Resources to extract oil with only two wells instead of the conventional four. The implication of this strategy was profound, as it effectively halved operational costs while simultaneously maximizing the extraction potential from the site. This breakthrough not only exemplifies the ingenuity of Matador’s engineering team but also underscores the ongoing evolution of drilling technologies in the oil industry, driven by the need for greater efficiency and sustainability in resource extraction.

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Source: Bloomberg

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Permian producer

Permian producer Matador raises 2024 oil projections to 100,000 bopd

Matador Resources Co., a prominent producer in the Permian Basin, has announced an upward revision in its oil production forecast for 2024, indicating robust growth in the western region of the nation’s most productive oil field. The Dallas-based company now anticipates an average output of 98,500 to 101,500 barrels of oil per day (bopd) next year, reflecting a 5% increase from earlier estimates, where the maximum projection was set at 96,500 bopd.

Throughout this year, Matador has consistently exceeded its production targets each quarter. The company is also witnessing stronger-than-expected production from its newly acquired assets from EnCap Investments LP, which were integrated into operations late in the third quarter.

During the earnings conference call held on Wednesday, executives from Matador Resources Company highlighted the impressive production performance achieved over the recent quarter. They attributed this success primarily to the effective integration of newly acquired assets, which has allowed the company to streamline operations and maximize output. Furthermore, the enhancement of drilling efficiencies has been a critical factor, as advanced techniques and technologies have enabled the team to optimize their drilling processes. Notably, the capability to conduct hydraulic fracturing on multiple wells simultaneously has significantly increased the pace of production, showcasing Matador’s commitment to leveraging innovative practices in a competitive market. This strategic approach not only positions the company favorably against its peers but also demonstrates its resilience in navigating the complexities of the energy sector.

The Global Oil Market

As the global oil market continues to closely monitor U.S. exploration activities, analysts are keenly observing potential indicators of peak growth within the shale production landscape. In this context, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. has revised its forecast for U.S. oil growth downward by 16%. This adjustment reflects a broader trend in the shale sector, where increased consolidation among producers and a focus on operational efficiencies are resulting in a dampening of overall exploration and drilling activity. As companies prioritize profitability and shareholder returns over aggressive expansion, the implications for the future of shale production become increasingly pronounced. The evolving dynamics of this market are likely to influence pricing, supply, and investor sentiment, making it essential for stakeholders to remain vigilant in assessing ongoing developments within the industry.

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Source: Oil & Gas 360

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Oil prices broadly stable

Oil prices broadly stable with uncertainty around Middle East and US election

On Thursday, oil prices broadly stable amid ongoing uncertainties related to conflicts in the Middle East and reports indicating that North Korean troops may be poised to assist Russia in Ukraine, keeping traders cautious as the U.S. presidential election approaches.

By 1318 GMT, Brent crude futures had increased by 46 cents, or 0.6%, reaching $75.42 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose by 39 cents, also a 0.6% gain, to settle at $71.16.

This week, oil prices have risen approximately 3% following a decline of over 7% the previous week, attributed to a perceived de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, alongside concerns regarding oversupply and sluggish demand.

Tamas Varga, an analyst at oil brokerage PVM, noted, “The interplay of economic uncertainty, a loose oil supply landscape, and potential disruptions related to conflict will likely prevent a definitive trend in oil prices in the near term, with medium-term risks leaning towards a downward trajectory.”

On Wednesday, the U.S. government reported evidence suggesting that North Korea has dispatched 3,000 troops to Russia, potentially for deployment in Ukraine, a development that could significantly intensify Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.

Intensifying Hostilities

In the Middle East, intensified hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah raised concerns regarding supply disruptions, while airstrikes carried out by Israel reportedly targeted the Syrian capital, Damascus, early Thursday.

Simultaneously, Washington is actively advocating for a resolution between Israel and Iranian-backed factions, including Hezbollah and Hamas, ahead of the U.S. presidential election on November 5, an event that could influence American foreign policy in the region as well as oil market dynamics.

Kelvin Wong, a senior market analyst at OANDA, observed, “Current betting market data indicates that Trump is leading over Kamala Harris, with Trump suggesting the U.S. could become a significant oil supplier. Such a policy shift could exert downward pressure on prices.” While betting markets favor Trump, alternative polling indicates that the election results remain highly competitive and uncertain.

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Source: Oil & Gas 360

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Chevron

Chevron targets 1 million boe/d Permian production by 2025

Chevron Corporation has set an ambitious goal to achieve production of 1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) from the Permian Basin by the year 2025. The company’s strategic focus is primarily directed towards the Delaware Basin segment of the Permian, located in New Mexico. This region has been identified as particularly advantageous due to its geological characteristics, which include high-quality source rock that is both thick and deep.

According to Duncan Healey, the asset manager for Chevron’s New Mexico operations, the geological attributes of the Delaware Basin allow for greater efficiency in extracting hydrocarbons. The high pressure present in the subsurface formations facilitates the extraction of oil and gas, making this area a more productive option compared to other regions within the Permian Basin.

In addition to its production goals, Chevron is actively seeking to minimize its environmental impact by implementing innovative technologies and practices. The company has prioritized the use of electrical compressors for its operations wherever feasible, as opposed to relying on traditional natural gas-fueled compressors. This transition not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions associated with production activities.

Hydraulic fracturing operations of Chevron

Furthermore, Chevron has reported a notable decrease in the carbon intensity of its hydraulic fracturing operations in the region, a development that underscores the company’s commitment to implementing sustainable practices within its extraction processes. This reduction in carbon intensity is a significant achievement, reflecting Chevron’s ongoing investment in innovative technologies and methodologies that enhance operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. By adopting advanced techniques and optimizing resource management, Chevron is not only improving its operational performance but also demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time. These efforts are indicative of the company’s broader strategy to integrate sustainability into its core operations, ensuring that environmental considerations are at the forefront of its business decisions.

Through these initiatives, Chevron aims to strike a balance between its production objectives and its responsibilities as a steward of the environment. The company recognizes the importance of addressing the growing concerns related to climate change and resource sustainability, especially in an era where public and regulatory scrutiny is intensifying. By reinforcing its position as a leader in the energy industry, Chevron is taking meaningful steps towards reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a more sustainable energy landscape. This commitment not only enhances the company’s reputation but also aligns with the global shift towards cleaner energy solutions. As Chevron continues to innovate and embrace sustainable practices, it sets a benchmark for others in the industry, illustrating that it is possible to achieve economic growth while prioritizing the health of our planet for future generations.

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Source: Oil & Gas Journal

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Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels could become cheaper and more abundant, says IEA

Fossil fuels could soon become significantly cheaper and more abundant as governments accelerate the transition to clean energy towards the end of the decade, according to the International Energy Agency.

The world’s energy watchdog has signalled a new energy era in which countries have access to more oil, gas and coal than needed to fuel their economic growth, leading to lower prices for households and businesses.

The Paris-based agency’s influential annual outlook report found that energy consumers could expect some “breathing space” from recent spikes in global oil and gas prices triggered by geopolitical upheavals because investment in new fossil fuel projects has outpaced the world’s demand.

Fatih Birol, the executive director of the IEA, said the report confirms its prediction that the world’s fossil fuel consumption will peak before 2030 and fall into permanent decline as climate policies take effect. But continuing investment in fossil fuel projects will spell falling market prices for oil and gas, the IEA added.

“I can’t say whether or not we will see [oil prices of] $100 a barrel again, but what I can say is that despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East we are still seeing oil prices in the $70s,” he said.

Oil prices dipped below $74 on Tuesday amid growing concern about weak Chinese demand.

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Source: The Guardian

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The total number of active drilling rigs for oil and gas in the US rose this week, according to new data from Baker Hughes.

US Oil Drilling Activity Inches Up

The total number of active drilling rigs for oil and gas in the United States rose this week, according to new data that Baker Hughes published on Friday. Ready to learn more about US Oil Drilling Activity?

The total rig count rose by 1 this week to 586, compared to 622 rigs this same time last year.

The number of oil rigs rose by 2 this week to 481—down by 20 compared to this time last year. The number of gas rigs fell by 1 this week to 101, a loss of 16 active gas rigs from this time last year. Miscellaneous rigs stayed the same at 4.

Meanwhile, U.S. crude oil production rose in the week ending October 4, according to weekly estimates published by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Current weekly oil production in the United States, according to the EIA, has resumed its all-time high at 13.4 million bpd.

Primary Vision’s Frac Spread Count, an estimate of the number of crews completing wells that are unfinished, fell in the week ending October 4, from 238 back to 236.

Drilling activity in the Permian stayed the same this week at 304—a figure that is just 7 fewer than this same time last year. The count in the Eagle Ford rose by 1 this week to 49. Rigs in the Eagle Ford are now 2 below where they were this time last year.

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Source: Oil Price

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Atlantic Hurricane Season

Atlantic Hurricane Season 2024: Oil & Gas Impact

With Hurricane Milton making landfall in the early hours of Thursday 10th October (EST). These are the two most significant hurricanes to make landfall so far. Francine and Helene have already impacted oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Now, the inland United States. So what are the impacts of Atlantic Hurricane Season?

As analysts were gauging the many ways in which these hurricanes will affect oil and gas. Three different aspects of this can be considered. Tracking storm paths, shut-ins in production, and assessment of recovery timelines.

As of Tuesday evening (8th October), Hurricane Milton has strengthened once again. With that, agencies across the US, including a direct message from the White House itself, have said the hurricane could be the worst to hit Florida. President Biden addressed the issue by stating “evacuations are a matter of life and death”. It is in a stark warning to the residents of Florida. There are also official reports suggesting it has the potential to be the worst hurricane in a century to hit the US. The state agencies also say, “some areas”, of the storm surges will be “not survivable”.

The Closures

Further closures have been made to oil and gas facilities including Kinder Morgan’s Central Florida Pipeline systems. This carry gasoline and diesel between Orlando and Tampa. In addition to this, due to Tampa’s coastal position, Kinder Morgan have closed all bulk-fuel delivery terminals. Refiner Citgo has also followed suit and shut down its Tampa terminal, along with Buckeye, who have suspended Orlando based operations.

As of now there is not much that can be said until landfall takes place, and impact assessments can be made. For now, wind speeds will reach 160 mph at their peak, and storm surges are expected to be around 12-15 feet. With business insider already reporting US natural gas futures have fallen by 8% in recent days, this serves as an indicator of how serious hurricanes have become, not just bringing natural catastrophe and humanitarian disaster, but also increased economic shock felt domestically, and globally.

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Source: Energy Monitor

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Rising oil prices

Rising oil prices after Iran strike could increase US gas prices, experts say

Rising oil prices climbed more than 3% on Tuesday in the immediate aftermath of an Iranian missile attack on Israel. The spike in prices is expected to push up the price of U.S. gasoline, experts told ABC News.

Drivers could face a price increase of between 10 and 15 cents per gallon, experts estimated. The national average price of a gallon of gas currently stands at $3.20, AAA data showed.

A further escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran could send oil and gas prices significantly higher, said Ramanan Krishnamoorti, a professor of petroleum engineering at the University of Houston.

“Clearly this will have a huge impact on gas prices,” Krishnamoorti told ABC News. “There’s no doubt about that.”

Iran said the attack on Tuesday was retaliation for a wave of assassinations carried out by Israel over the last several weeks targeting Hezbollah leaders. Israel will have a “significant response” to Iran’s attack, an Israeli official told ABC News.

While sanctions have constrained Iranian oil output in recent years, the nation asserts control over the passage of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a trading route that facilitates the transport of about 15% of global oil supply.

Important shipping route

Passage through the Suez Canal, another important shipping route for crude oil, could be impacted by further attacks. This is what happened with Yemen-based Houthi attacks on freight ships earlier in the war, Krishnamoorti said.

Despite a recent uptick, the price of oil stands well below a 2022 peak reached when the blazing-hot economic rebound from the pandemic collided with a supply shortage imposed by the Russia-Ukraine war. Gas prices, meanwhile, have plummeted in recent months.

The U.S. set a record for crude oil production in 2023, averaging 12.9 million barrels per day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a federal agency.

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Source: ABC News

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OPEC+ made no changes to plans to start gradually reviving oil production towards the end of the year, despite signs of an impending surplus.

OPEC+ remains committed to reviving production despite possible surplus

A statement from 23-nation the group after an online monitoring meeting on Wednesday didn’t announce any alterations. Led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, OPEC+ plans a series of monthly increases beginning with a 180,000 bpd hike in December — two months later than originally scheduled because of fragile market sentiment.

Oil prices have rallied more than 5% in the past two days after Iran, an OPEC member, launched strikes against Israel in an escalation of the Middle East’s year-long conflict. But at around $75 a barrel, prices remain 14% down from July as traders focus on weak demand in China and swelling supplies from the Americas.

While the retreat offers relief to consumers after years of rampant inflation — and for central banks as they pivot to lowering interest rates — it poses a financial threat to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies.

Saudi Arabia slashed growth forecasts this week and projected deeper budget deficits than previously estimated as the cost of efforts to overhaul the kingdom’s economy outpaces revenue. Russia, meanwhile, relies on energy income to finance President Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine.

JMMC meeting

The JMMC meeting on Wednesday mainly focused on the failure of Iraq, Kazakhstan and Russia. It is for the implementation of their agreed cutbacks, according to delegates who asked not to be identified.

While the countries “reiterated their strong commitment” to the agreement, they mostly continue to pump above their output quotas. They haven’t yet started extra cutbacks pledged as compensation for cheating. The countries held individual workshops to discuss output levels in September.

OPEC+ plans to restore roughly 2.2 MMbpd in monthly tranches between December and late 2025, and allow the United Arab Emirates to make an extra hike in recognition of its increased production capacity.

The alliance has several more weeks to decide whether to go ahead with the December increase. Ministers are scheduled to gather on Dec. 1 to review policy for next year.

With oil markets poised to deteriorate further, analysts including JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup Inc. have expressed skepticism. It is that OPEC+ will press on with its scheduled supply increases.

Consumption is due to grow by less than 1 MMbpd in 2025. Supplies are set to swell by 50% more. It wil be leaving a glut even if OPEC+ continues to restrain output. This is according to estimates from the International Energy Agency.

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Source: Oil & Gas 360

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