Chevron deal energises the Bakken
The major’s acquisition deal could keep oil production in the mature play going for longer
Chevron’s announced $53b acquisition in late October of US producer Hess Corporation, including its significant production and resource in the Bakken, has the potential to prolong oil production in this relatively mature US shale play—if not boost it slightly—experts claim. "The Bakken adds another prolific US shale basin to our leading positions in the DJ [Basin] and the Permian... with a long queue of economic future drilling locations," Chevron CEO Mike Wirth said during the conference call announcing his company’s acquisition of Hess on 23 October. "From our [understanding] it looks like there is at least 15 years of inventory at the current four-rig level of drilling." The acquisition p
Also in this section
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
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally






