Letter from the Middle East: The counter-cyclical unconventional renaissance
While US shale firms batten down the hatches or seek M&A solutions to their problems, Mid-East Gulf unconventionals are enjoying a revival
The appetite to develop unconventional resources in the Mid-East Gulf remains surprisingly robust, with a quest for gas the main motivator for going after these tricky reservoirs. But, to make these plays work economically, the developers will need to show sophisticated skills and cost control. Kuwait has for some years been developing the deep, tight and sour Jurassic oil and gas in its north. But technical, safety and budgetary challenges have meant progress has been slow. In April 2018, Bahrain said it had found 10-20tn ft³ (280-560bn m³) of gas in the deep pre-Unayzah (Permian) onshore and 80bn bl of shale oil in place in the Khalij Al Bahrain offshore basin. It estimated this could prod
Also in this section
17 April 2024
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan provide opportunities after Europe turns it back, while also offering another gateway to China
16 April 2024
Commentators need to shake off the myths of the past, with rising oil prices a boon for US economy
15 April 2024
Though hampered by methane concerns, US LNG has a crucial role to play for European and Asian energy security, US economic needs and the energy transition drive
12 April 2024
Iran has announced multibillion dollar spending programmes aimed at domestic companies, inspired by recent export success