U.S. crude oil production continues to set monthly record highs (7/31/2019)

U.S. crude oil production in each of the first five months of 2019 showed increases over their 2018 levels, with April 2019 establishing a new monthly record. Production grew the most in the Permian region and the U.S. Federal Gulf of Mexico (GOM). The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) initially expected the decline in crude oil prices between October and December 2018 to slow U.S. crude oil production growth for the first half of 2019. However, several factors have contributed to increases in the U.S. production forecast. First, crude oil prices began rising in early 2019, partially offsetting the price drop seen at the end of 2018. In addition, crude oil prices in Midland, Texas (which reflect crude oil prices in the Permian region), rose faster than the U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI), which is priced in Cushing, Oklahoma (a major storage and distribution hub). As a result, the price spread between Midland and Cushing narrowed, allowing producers in the Permian region to receive relatively better prices. Several projects have also come online in the GOM this year, boosting production. EIA forecasts U.S. production will grow through 2020, but anticipates growth will slow in 2020 as crude oil prices flatten. ... More »