shale oil

US crude oil production is expanding at an unprecedented rate, but much faster growth will be needed in the next few years to meet the world’s demand if global investment in conventional supply doesn’t pick up, an IEA report indicates.

With big shale mergers dominating the headlines, some of the industry’s most influential financial players gathered to discuss what’s driving the shift in operational and fiscal priorities.

The SPE Liquids-Rich Basin Conference in Midland, Texas, merged topics that have dominated recent industry discussions: technologies centered on big data, interwell communication, and Permian Basin production.

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.

BHP Billiton lost billions during its foray into US shale, but that doesn’t mean it has soured on oil and gas—particularly when it comes to deepwater development.

WPX Energy COO Clay Gaspar discusses his company’s timely transformation into a Permian player and the challenges that lie ahead in the basin.

Diamondback is slated to become the Permian’s latest pure-play giant with its pending purchases of Energen and Ajax Resources.

Hydraulic fracturing is now a little bit easier for US shale operators thanks to readily available horsepower and in-basin sand.

The oilfield services and equipment sector, while optimistic, has not yet seen the effects of the improved oil price in the recovery of its overall business.

BP ends a year of speculation as to who will buy BHP Billiton’s much-coveted US unconventional business, transforming its Lower 48 portfolio in the process.