No rebound in sight for US shale
Domestic crude production will continue to be squeezed despite the modest oil price upturn and faces a long-term existential threat in the form of the Democratic manifesto
US shale curtailments are starting to ease on cautious optimism that the gradual exit from lockdowns globally will aid an oil price recovery. Independents including the likes of Devon Energy, EOG Resources, Parsley Energy and Continental Resources have all pledged to revive deferred volumes over the summer months with WTI hovering close to $40/bl. But hopes for a swift and painless shale recovery look unlikely to be realised. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that production from the Lower 48 states has dropped by 1.55mn bl/d since the start of 2020. Producers have scrambled to cut back guidance this year against a huge global supply overhang caused by the collapsed Ope
Also in this section
12 February 2026
Europe’s focus has shifted from pipeline dependence to price discipline, with the newfound flexibility and greater security coming at a higher cost, panellists said at LNG2026
12 February 2026
Oil and gas major unconcerned by potential supply glut as it bets on growing demand in transport and other sectors, and on the fuel’s long-term role as a ‘stabilising force’ for future energy systems
11 February 2026
Panellists from three LNG buyers at LNG2026 in Doha outlined their evolving procurement strategies as they navigate heightened market volatility
11 February 2026
North African producer plans to boost output by early 2030, with Europe its number one priority as export destination






