OPEC

The scheme by OPEC and non-OPEC producers to collectively curb oil production has brought stability to the global market—which, as a result, could soon be awash in “a second wave” of US shale output growth.

OPEC and a Russian-led group of non-OPEC producers agreed to extend their deal to collectively curb oil production until the end of 2018, following through on their efforts to rebalance the oil market and support higher crude prices.

OPEC has renewed its effort to prop up global crude prices, but the impact may also drive US production higher.

Expectations of continued USD 100/bbl of oil were shattered by a sharp price drop last year that eventually halved the prices of benchmark crudes. Prices were still sinking at the start of the year to lows not seen since 2009 due to a global oversupply of oil.

A sharp decline in oil prices is pushing oil and gas companies to innovate to increase efficiency and prepare to meet the world’s long-term energy needs, panelists said at the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in December.