The global quest for light tight oil as US production rises
Forecasts for growth in US oil production and reserves have risen dramatically, thanks to light tight oil. Operators, investors, regulators and politicians are pondering light tight oil's potential and the likely implications for global oil supply and demand
Will light tight oil (LTO) be the next global energy phenomenon and become mainstream beyond North America? What will be the global implications for oil flows and how might LTO - crude oil and condensate extracted from tight formations - transform the geopolitical landscape? Will the resource be as widespread as unconventional gas? Will it be more economical to produce LTO than oil from pre-salt reservoirs and Canada's oil sands - and put the world on course for a lower oil price? How should operators and industry stakeholders adjust to the new reality? This complex and diverse palette of questions is problematic even for an industry that is known for its ability to deal with uncertainty. O
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
