Shale Oil

Vaca Muerta (“Dead Cow” in Spanish), a prominent oil shale region in Argentina's Neuquen basin, concluded 2023 with a historic achievement, witnessing a record-breaking 14,722 fracture stages completed by operating companies.

Three themes are expected in the US shale business: better-than-expected growth, the M&A spree is not over, and gas output in the Permian to keep rising.

In 2023, the Permian Basin has witnessed an unprecedented surge in mergers and acquisitions, surpassing a historic $100B in total value.

A major US independent producer is engaged in discussions to acquire CrownRock, a prominent oil and gas producer in the Permian Basin, marking a significant development in the consolidation trend within the shale industry.

After the significant mergers of ExxonMobil with Pioneer Natural Resources and Chevron with Hess, attention has shifted to potential takeover targets in the US shale sector.

Saudi Arabian major producer has achieved a significant milestone by initiating unconventional tight gas production from its South Ghawar operational area in the country, surpassing expectations with production starting two months ahead of schedule.

Recent estimates from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicate a surprising surge in oil production in the Permian Basin, despite previous forecasts of declines.

Recent reports indicate that alternative indicators in the U.S. shale sector continue to exhibit resilience, countering a decline in the overall rig count.

US energy major's head of crude supply and trading, Patti Leigh, recently addressed the Argus European Crude Conference, shedding light on the natural progression of consolidation in the U.S. Permian basin.