In Western Canada the oil-directed rig count increased by six this week, to 113 active rigs, which is 32% higher than the prior 10-year high for this time of year, while the gas-directed rig count increased by one to 54 rigs this week, in line with the prior five-year high for this time of year.
Given that the Iran war-driven surge in oil prices doubled Q1 E&P profits, a surge in capex to capture fatter cash flows seemed like a sure thing, but that would have been a losing bet. Today, we review oil and gas producers’ investment and production guidance and analyze potential future strategy.
As discussed in the Crude Voyager Report for the week ended May 29, exports out of the U.S. Gulf Coast (USGC) averaged 5.4 MMb/d, with strength seen across a number of terminals. In the Houston region, the Seaway Freeport Terminal recorded export activity for the seventh consecutive week. While only one Aframax cargo was seen, the terminal's seven-week streak represents its longest period of uninterrupted export activity since 2023, signaling a notable increase in utilization compared with the sporadic loadings observed in recent years.
After falling to its lowest monthly average since October 2023 in April, the U.S. propane-to-WTI crude ratio is showing signs of recovery. The ratio started June higher than May's average, as propane regained some ground relative to crude oil. While it's too early to call a sustained turnaround, the early June rebound bears watching.
Alberta crude oil and condensate production for April was little changed from March, declining by only 22 Mb/d to average 4.492 MMb/d, and was up 162 Mb/d year-over-year, according to monthly data released by the Alberta Energy Regulator on May 29.
South Bow Corp. announced on May 29 a “successful outcome” of the open season held in March that solicited firm transportation commitments for crude oil from Hardisty, AB to U.S. delivery points including Cushing, OK and the Gulf Coast.
One of the most discussed and often misunderstood aspects of the midstream world is the pipeline open season. It is how midstreamers go out to the market to test shipper interest and lock in commercial commitments for new projects and can effectively determine whether a project will get built.
U.S. Gulf Coast crude exports exceeded 5 MMb/d for the sixth consecutive week, averaging 5.2 MMb/d as global demand for U.S. barrels remained firmly intact despite modest week-over-week regional fluctuations.
The global oil market has been especially volatile this year, but the United Arab Emirates’ decision to cease its OPEC membership provided another jolt. Today, we dig into why the UAE chose this path and the potential implications for the global market and U.S. producers.
The White House gave the green light on March 18 for foreign-flagged tankers to move crude oil and refined products between U.S. ports by waiving the Jones Act. In less than two months, about 60 waivers have been recorded. Today, we’ll dig into the new patterns that have emerged.
