Chevron deal energises the Bakken
The major’s acquisition deal could keep oil production in the mature play going for longer
Chevron’s announced $53b acquisition in late October of US producer Hess Corporation, including its significant production and resource in the Bakken, has the potential to prolong oil production in this relatively mature US shale play—if not boost it slightly—experts claim. "The Bakken adds another prolific US shale basin to our leading positions in the DJ [Basin] and the Permian... with a long queue of economic future drilling locations," Chevron CEO Mike Wirth said during the conference call announcing his company’s acquisition of Hess on 23 October. "From our [understanding] it looks like there is at least 15 years of inventory at the current four-rig level of drilling." The acquisition p
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub






