Permian output growth stutters
Sluggish production increases could trigger new wave of bankruptcies among operating minnows
The Permian shale patch is starting to display signs of moving into a production plateau phase, after years of rampant growth which upended the global oil market and transformed the US into a major energy supplier. Production will unquestionably still continue to climb in 2020—the EIA predicts US output will reach 13.3mn bl/d, up from 12.2mn bl/d in 2019—with incremental volumes primarily from the Texan shale patch. But, while overall Permian production may still be on the up, albeit at a far more gradual trajectory than previous years, a slowing rig count, less than-buoyant oil price and lack of offtake gas capacity could further threaten the business model of many of the play’s smaller ind
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.






