decline rates

A new report says that production growth in the world’s most prolific unconventional basin is on the verge of stalling out.

Most of ConocoPhillips’ oil and gas production by the end of the next decade will come from its unconventional operations. But, for the near-term, the Houston independent will rely on conventional assets as it seeks to keep spending in check, decline rates low, and cash flow on the rise.

The two biggest oilfield services providers are enjoying a rebound in international activity but continue to struggle with a softening US shale completions market. While takeaway constraints will be temporary, steep shale production declines may emerge as a longer-term challenge.

Production from older wells in the Permian Basin is declining faster than widely assumed, according to a new study. If this trend holds, it could lead to problems for companies that are depending on those wells to pay for future development or to justify a big acquisition.