Newsletters | Request Trial | Log in | Advertise | Digital Issue   |   Search
  • Upstream
  • Midstream & Downstream
  • Gas & LNG
  • Trading & Markets
  • Corporate & Finance
  • Geopolitics
  • Podcasts
Search
Related Articles
New Zealand is back open for business
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
New Zealand’s gas horror story will haunt for years to come
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal
The looming risks of a US-Venezuela war
The Caribbean country’s role in the global oil market is significantly diminished, but disruptions caused by outright conflict would still have implications for US Gulf Coast refineries
Letter from Saudi Arabia: US-Saudi energy ties enter a new phase
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future
Letter from London: Oil’s golden triangle
The interplay between OPEC+, China and the US will define oil markets throughout 2026
Libya’s upstream caught between hope and caution
The North African producer’s first bidding round in almost two decades is an important milestone but the recent extension suggests a degree of trepidation
Equinor: Keeping offshore
The Norwegian NOC has used its offshore oil and gas prowess to expand into offshore wind, but project setbacks and lower returns are a concern for investors
Reality bites for Indonesia’s oil ambition
A more pragmatic approach has seen the country reverse its production decline in 2025 but its 1m b/d target still seems out of reach
Peru: The new energy frontier in South America
The country is open for business and is unlocking vast opportunities for both onshore and offshore exploration
The duality of US shale
A sector beset by pessimism and pain amid price weakness contrasts with data signalling production strength and resilience
Fracking in North Dakota
US Upstream Shale
Osama Rizvi
6 June 2024
Follow @PetroleumEcon
Forward article link
Share PDF with colleagues

US shale needs to find new efficiencies

Output looks to a growth model based around doing more with less given green policy pressure, with tech advancements, equipment upgrades and fiscal tools key

US shale output growth will struggle to hit fresh records this decade unless it can unlock efficiency gains through fiscal management, adapt to growing policy and public pressure regarding the energy transition, and both make technological improvements and replace ageing equipment. US shale faces huge risks in its pursuit of accelerating production. First is the financial health and future plans of major frackers in relation to capital discipline and demand trends in the global economy—if demand falls precipitously then the stranded assets will become a liability. Second, there is policy and public pressure regarding the energy transition and the measures taken by oil majors to adapt by upgr

Also in this section
Canada’s Asian pivot faces hurdles
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
Outlook 2026
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
New Zealand is back open for business
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
New Zealand’s gas horror story will haunt for years to come
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal

Share PDF with colleagues

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: PDF sharing is permitted internally for Petroleum Economist Gold Members only. Usage of this PDF is restricted by <%= If(IsLoggedIn, User.CompanyName, "")%>’s agreement with Petroleum Economist – exceeding the terms of your licence by forwarding outside of the company or placing on any external network is considered a breach of copyright. Such instances are punishable by fines of up to US$1,500 per infringement
Send

Forward article Link

Send
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Project Data
Maps
Podcasts
Social Links
Featured Video
Home
  • About us
  • Subscribe
  • Reaching your audience
  • PE Store
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact us
  • Privacy statement
  • Cookies
  • Sitemap
All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws © 2025 The Petroleum Economist Ltd
Cookie Settings
;

Search