The Williston Basin is a big area filled with layers of rock that sits next to the Rocky Mountains in western North Dakota, eastern Montana, and the southern part of Saskatchewan in Canada. This area covers roughly 110,000 square miles. Geologically, it's very similar to the Alberta Basin in Canada. People started drilling for oil in the Williston Basin back in 1936, and by 1954, most of the land where oil could likely be found was already claimed for drilling. The Bakken Formation with parts of Montana, North Dakota, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba has become one of only ten oil fields globally to yield over 1 million barrels per day (bpd) since the late 2000s. It is currently the third-largest U.S. shale oilfield, behind the Permian and Eagle Ford. The boom in the Bakken started around September 2008, coinciding with the U.S. housing market crash. The application of new technologies, such as swell packers enabling multiple-stage fracturing, significantly enhanced oil recovery, making the Bakken Formation a key player in the U.S. In 2022, the Bakken oil field saw big improvements in how much oil and gas it could produce. At the start of the year, 27 drilling rigs were working there, more than double the 11 rigs from the start of 2021. Important upgrades included making the Tioga Gas Plant able to process 150 million cubic feet more gas each day, and making the Dakota Access Pipeline bigger, increasing its oil transport capacity from 570,000 to 750,000 barrels every day.

Continental Resources is expanding its operations in the Midland Basin, including taking over some assets that used to belong to Occidental Petroleum. The company plans to use its expertise in exploration in this area.

Equinor and EQT Corporation have agreed that Equinor will exchange its operated assets in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations in Ohio for a stake in EQT’s non-operated interests in the Northern Marcellus formation.

Appalachian Basin (formerly Marcellus and Utica) covers most of New York, Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, West Virginia, and Western Maryland in the north, reaching down to parts of Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama in the south. The basin is massive, covering about 185,000 square miles, roughly 1,000 miles long from northeast to southwest, and in some places, it's up to 300 miles wide. In this area, some major companies are making significant investments. EQT stands out as the largest producer in the Appalachian Basin, with other key players including Chesapeake, Range Resources, Antero, Repsol, and Gulfport also actively investing.

Kinder Morgan stands as North America's top independent mover of petroleum products with around 2.4 million barrels daily across the continent. The bulk of this flow happens through its Products Pipelines division, which navigates gasoline, jet fuel, diesel, crude oil, and condensate through a network of about 9,500 miles of pipelines. Alongside, the company maintains roughly 65 liquid terminals that not only store these fuels but also blend in ethanol and biofuels for a green touch.

The Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin, spanning Northern Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, Western Kansas, and parts of Nebraska, stretches from north to south, from north of Cheyenne, Wyoming, down to Colorado Springs. Its primary production field, the Wattenberg gas field, is located in Weld County and Northwestern Adams County in Northeast Colorado. Oil and gas production in the D-J Basin traces back to a discovery in Boulder County, Colorado, in 1901, marking a long history of energy development in the area. The basin is highly productive, primarily due to its stacked plays, similar to those in other regions like the Anadarko Basin (with its SCOOP and STACK plays) and the Permian Basin. This geological feature is a key reason for the high productivity of wells in the DJ Basin.

Continental Resources is actively involved in innovative energy projects to enhance oil production and environmental sustainability. The company has invested $250 million in the world's largest carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project, a partnership with Summit Carbon Solutions. This project aims to capture CO2 from industrial sources in the Midwest and store it in North Dakota's Williston Basin, where Continental has significant experience and presence​​​​. In the Powder River Basin, Continental has expanded its operations by acquiring 400,000 acres. It is now the second-largest producer in this area, achieving high initial productivity from its Niobrara wells. The company aims to develop a competitive program across its portfolio, drawing on its successes in the Williston Basin​​. In the Williston Basin, known for its Bakken play, Continental is enhancing oil recovery through innovative well completion designs and exploring the potential of refracturing existing wells. These efforts are part of Continental's broader strategy to increase oil extraction efficiency and contribute to environmental sustainability.

The US oil industry made big headlines in 2023 thanks to its surprising record oil production. However, experts believe 2024 won't see the same level of growth, mainly due to one key factor: a surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). So far in 2024, the oil and gas exploration sector has seen mergers worth $55 billion. This follows a record-breaking year in 2023 when the industry announced deals totaling $190 billion, the highest ever for this sector.

Southwestern plans to keep its production steady, with a budget of $2.0 to $2.3 billion allocated for capital expenditures in 2024. This budget includes about $200 million for capitalized interest and expenses, which means the spending on drilling, completion, and other costs would be in the range of $1.8 to $2.1 billion to maintain a production level similar to 2023's output of approximately 4.57 Bcfe per day. The company anticipated closing 2023 with a debt of around $4.1 billion. Given the current market prices, Southwestern aims to reduce its debt to about $4 billion by the end of 2024, targeting a production level close to 4.5 Bcfe per day. Furthermore, the company has set a goal to lower its debt to under $3.5 billion. To reach the debt reduction target of approximately $3.5 billion by the end of 2024 or early 2025, Southwestern may need to adjust its capital expenditure budget to around $1.2 billion. This adjustment could lead to a slight decrease in production to about 4.2 to 4.25 Bcfe per day in 2024, representing a 7% to 8% reduction from the production levels in 2023.

In Wyoming during 2023, the oil and gas industry experienced various trends and developments. Wyoming ranked 8th nationally in both crude oil and natural gas production, significantly contributing to the economy through property and severance taxes. The state had a peak of 27,951 producing wells in 2022, including oil and gas wells, with 33 operating gas plants processing nearly 97% of the state's gas production. Notably, 21 of Wyoming's 23 counties produce oil and/or natural gas, with Converse County leading in crude oil production and Sublette County in natural gas production​​. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicted that crude oil production across the United States would increase to 12.8 million b/d in 2024. Throughout 2023, oil production in Wyoming showed an upward trend, with more than 95 million barrels expected to be produced, an increase of about 3 million barrels from 2022. This rise in oil production was partly attributed to the completion of 110 newly drilled oil wells in the first half of the year, mainly in the Powder River Basin. However, natural gas production faced a decline due to the aging of wells and a low number of new gas wells being completed. Only 18 new gas wells were finished in the first half of 2023, with a noted interest in drilling applications, suggesting potential future developments.

XCL Resources is seeking approval from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for its proposed acquisition of Altamont Energy LLC, another Utah-based oil producer. This initiative is backed by XCL's parent entity, EnCap Investments LP, a notable private equity firm. Discussions about purchasing Colorado-based Altamont Energy began in the previous summer, as highlighted in FTC documentation.

Tallgrass Energy has started a new open season for the Pony Express Pipeline, and this is the second time they're doing it in 2024. They're looking for companies that want to move their crude oil from the Williston Basin and are offering special rates as an incentive. This 30-day event kicked off on March 11. To get the full details, companies need to sign a confidentiality agreement with Tallgrass.

Enbridge Inc. has completed a $6.6 billion purchase of The East Ohio Gas Co., an Ohio natural gas company, from Dominion Energy. This acquisition is part of a larger $14 billion merger and acquisition deal previously announced by the two companies. The East Ohio Gas Co. will operate under the new name Enbridge Gas Ohio (EOG) and become part of Enbridge's Gas Distribution and Storage Business Unit, including taking on some debt as mentioned by Dominion.

The Haynesville Shale play, located in northwestern Louisiana and eastern Texas, was recognized in March 2008. Petrohawk Energy Corp. and Chesapeake Energy Corp. had leased acreages in Louisiana, bringing fame to the region. The Haynesville Shale is crucial for meeting the rising demand for LNG exports from the Gulf Coast because of its location. It's expected that Haynesville will contribute about 13 Bcf/d to the overall growth in U.S. gas demand by 2030. However, drilling in Haynesville is more expensive and challenging due to the depth of its wells, especially when compared to areas like the Marcellus Shale.

Crude oil prices are on the verge of a significant rise, as per Helima Croft, a top commodities strategist at RBC Capital Markets. She highlights a looming shift in the oil market's supply-demand dynamics, forecasting a potential slowdown in global crude production. This slowdown might push Brent crude prices to $85 in the latter half of 2024.

In January 2024, the United States saw a mix of ups and downs in the number of active drilling rigs across its major oil shale regions and states. Starting with the shale regions, the Permian Basin led with a slight increase, reaching 310 rigs, which is 3 more than in December. The Eagle Ford in East Texas held steady with 54 rigs, unchanged from the previous month. Meanwhile, both the Haynesville and Anadarko regions saw a decrease by 2 rigs each, landing at 42 rigs. The Niobrara faced a larger drop, losing 4 rigs to settle at 27. On a brighter note, the Williston Basin and the Appalachian region saw increases of 2 and 1 rigs, respectively, resulting in counts of 34 and 41 rigs.

Ovintiv Inc. is a key player in oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas, working across various areas. It has two main parts: Canadian Operations for its work in Canada and USA Operations for its work in the United States, plus efforts to optimize the market.

In January, US natural gas production dropped to 102 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) from December's record of 106 Bcf/d due to bad weather. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects it to recover soon, hitting 105 Bcf/d by March. The EIA's outlook for 2024 predicts an average production of about 104 Bcf/d, slightly down from the earlier forecast of 105 Bcf/d. By 2025, production is anticipated to climb over 106 Bcf/d.

Shell PLC revealed it made a profit of US$28 billion for 2023, thanks to strong earnings from trading liquefied natural gas (LNG). The company saw its quarterly adjusted earnings rise to $7.3 billion in the fourth quarter, up from $6.2 billion in the third quarter of 2023. This financial success allowed the company to raise its dividend and continue buying back shares.

This week, Chevron told its investors about a bump in the road with its plan to buy into a big oil project near Guyana. The problem is Exxon Mobil and China's CNOOC say they should get the first chance to make an offer against Chevron's plan to buy Hess's part in the project. This issue could mess up Chevron's plans, making it hard or impossible to finish the deal as they hoped.

The Permian Basin, America's prime oil region, faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry saw a drastic reduction in rigs and fracking crews and had to close some operations as oil prices plummeted, leading to widespread restructuring. Now, the Permian is making a strong comeback. Over the last three years, exploration and production companies (E&Ps) have increased their drilling activities. They're focusing on spending wisely and maximizing returns to their investors. The Permian's role is crucial. It was projected to contribute over 5.98 million barrels of oil per day in December, making up about 62% of the total oil production in the Lower 48 states, as per the EIA.

This week, the American Petroleum Institute (API) reported that U.S. crude oil stocks increased by 7.168 million barrels, ending February 16. This rise exceeded analysts' expectations of a 4.298 million barrel increase. Last week, the API noted an 8.52 million barrel jump in crude inventories.

An Exxon Mobil-led group is looking into launching Guyana's first offshore natural gas project near its sea border with Suriname, according to an executive from the U.S. oil major.

Last year, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund spent more than any other country in the world, making up a quarter of the $124 billion total spent by such funds globally. The kingdom has been pouring money into huge projects both inside and outside its borders, including the ambitious $500-billion Neom City and launching a new airline. Due to this massive spending spree, the Public Investment Fund saw its cash and assets decrease from over $105 billion in 2022 to around $37 billion by September, as the Wall Street Journal reported. With oil prices hovering around $80 per barrel, financing these large-scale projects is becoming more difficult.

Occidental Petroleum is looking into selling Western Midstream Partners. OXY focuses on natural gas pipelines in the U.S. and is worth around $20 billion, including its debt. This sale could help the company cut down its large debt of $18.5 billion, which grew due to buying other companies. Recently, Occidental agreed to buy CrownRock for $12 billion, adding more debt to its books. This comes after its huge $54 billion purchase of Anadarko Petroleum four years ago. The news about possibly selling Western Midstream made its shares go up by 5.7% to $30.81, reaching their highest value since July 2019. However, Occidental's shares fell by 1.6% to $59.56, as part of a wider drop among energy companies.

The Canadian oil and gas sector announced 27 M&A deals in the last quarter of 2023, totaling $4.2 billion in value. The biggest deal of the quarter was Pembina Pipeline's $2.3 billion acquisition of several companies including Alliance Pipeline and Aux Sable Canada. Compared to the previous quarter, the total value of M&A deals in Canada grew by 20% from $3.5 billion and jumped 95% compared to the same quarter the previous year. However, the number of deals dropped slightly by 4% from the previous quarter and was 23% less than the year before.

Rystad Energy predicts that the merged company of Diamondback Energy and Endeavor Energy will produce 819,500 barrels of oil per day in the Permian Basin in 2024. Rystad, an energy research and business intelligence company from Norway, expects the ExxonMobil-Pioneer Natural Resources merger to lead the Permian in total net production for the year, with a projection of nearly 1.4 million barrels per day. Notably, about 53% of this production will be oil. Chevron is set to produce slightly more than Diamondback-Endeavor, with Occidental-CrownRock following closely. ConocoPhillips ranks fifth, with a production forecast of just under 800,000 barrels per day. Chevron's production is 47% oil, while Diamondback-Endeavor and ConocoPhillips have 57% oil in their mix, and Occidental-CrownRock is just below 50%.

Northern Oil and Gas (NOG) has successfully completed two acquisitions, investing $162.6 million in properties within the Utica Shale and the northern Delaware Basin. In November 2023, NOG ventured into the Utica Shale by acquiring interests from a private seller, including less than one producing well and slightly over one well in development, spanning several counties in Ohio. These areas, primarily operated by Ascent Resources, focus on extracting oil and gas from the Point Pleasant Formation and the Utica Shale, with the Ohio assets being a significant part of this strategy.

Diamondback Energy is buying Autry Stephens's company, Endeavor Energy Resources, for $26 billion. This deal (learn more) will make Stephens the richest oil driller in the U.S., with a $25.9 billion fortune, jumping him up to 64th place on a list of the world's richest people. He'll be wealthier than other big names in oil, like Harold Hamm with $15.4 billion and Jeff Hildebrand with $17 billion. However, Charles and Julia Koch are still richer, but their money comes from different businesses, not just oil.

The $26 billion purchase of Endeavor Energy Resources by Diamondback Energy, with its stock up 2.6%, is the newest big deal combining oil and gas production in the Permian Basin under a few big companies

Diamondback's buyout of Endeavor happened about four months after ExxonMobil and Chevron made huge deals, with Exxon buying Pioneer Natural Resources for $59 billion and Chevron getting Hess for $53 billion. Even though 2023 was a slow year for company buyouts and mergers, with the total deals at $3.2 trillion (the lowest since 2013 and 47% less than the $6 trillion peak in 2021), the energy sector was still active. Experts think this buzz in energy deals is because these companies made a lot of money in 2022.

Select Water Solutions, a leader in water and chemical services for the energy industry has bought key water assets in the Haynesville Shale and Rockies for $90 million. This deal adds 450,000 barrels per day of capacity with disposal wells and treatment facilities, boosting Select's operations.

Hess Corp. is in the final stages of a major sale to Chevron, with increased drilling and production in the Bakken region noted in the last quarter. Hess announced its fourth-quarter net production in the Bakken reached 194,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), a slight increase from the third quarter's 190,000 boe/d and a significant 23% rise from the 158,000 boe/d seen in the fourth quarter of the previous year. This growth is attributed to more drilling and the impact of the previous year's severe winter weather.

A state-owned petrochemical company from Iran was operating from an office located near Buckingham Palace. Reports suggest that Santander UK and Lloyds Banking Group, two big UK banks, are involved in managing accounts for companies that reportedly helped Iranian organizations avoid US sanctions. These banks are said to have supported companies linked to an Iranian petrochemical company, which has been facing sanctions from Western countries since 2018.

The Permian Basin, a big oil area, is not seeing as many deals as before because lots of companies have already joined together. Now, experts think these companies might start looking for new places to invest in the U.S. One area getting attention is the Bakken play. Chevron Corp. has just made a big step there by buying Hess Corp. for $60 billion. Another company, Grayson Mill Energy, which got some help from a Houston investment firm EnCap Investments LP, might also be up for sale soon, worth about $5 billion.

CrownRock's 94,000+ net acres acquisition complements Occidental's Midland Basin operations, valued at $12.0 billion. This expansion enhances Occidental's Midland Basin-scale and upgrades its Permian Basin portfolio with ready-to-develop, low-cost assets. The deal is set to add around 170 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2024, with high-margin, sustainable production.

Chevron is selling its Canadian shale production operations as part of a wider plan to concentrate its investments on more profitable projects in the United States.

Chesapeake Energy has agreed to purchase its competitor, Southwestern Energy, in a $7.4 billion all-stock deal. The acquisition anticipates a boost in natural gas demand with new U.S. LNG export terminals coming online in 2025.

Houston-based Talos Energy Inc. has made a deal to buy QuarterNorth Energy Inc. for $1.29 billion. QuarterNorth is a company that explores and produces oil in the Gulf of Mexico and owns parts of several big offshore fields. This purchase will add more high-quality deepwater assets to Talos's business, which are expected to bring steady production and new opportunities for growth. The deal should immediately benefit Talos's shareholders and help the company reduce its debt faster.

Sunoco, a gas station company based in Dallas, will buy NuStar Energy, a major operator of liquid storage and pipelines, for $7.3 billion. The acquisition of NuStar Energy by Sunoco not only enlarges Sunoco's fuel distribution business but also moves it into the crude oil middle market, especially in the important Permian Basin area.

In 2023, Oklahoma's natural gas industry continued to be a significant force in the state's economy, contributing a substantial $57 billion. This hefty contribution firmly positions Oklahoma as a major natural gas and crude oil producer, not just locally but also in the U.S. Mid-Continent region, which spans across neighboring states like Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.

Quantum Capital Group sold Rockcliff Energy II LLC, a Quantum Energy Partners' company, to TG Natural Resources LLC for $2.7 billion on December 29. TG Natural Resources is a part of Tokyo Gas, a Japanese company aiming to triple its overseas profits in North America and other regions.

2023 was quite a year for the oil and gas sector, with some big deals making the news. In the US, giants like ExxonMobil and Chevron grabbed headlines with their plans to acquire companies like Pioneer and Hess. Internationally, ADNOC wasn't left behind, expanding its reach as well. As we ring in the new year, let's recap the biggest oil and gas deals of 2023.

-Crescent Point Energy finalized its $1.9 billion purchase of Hammerhead Energy to expand operations in Alberta's Montney Shale -Two Canadian companies merged to increase their presence in Alberta's Kaybob Duvernay area -Ring Energy completed acquisition in the Permian Basin

Vital Energy, an independent energy firm, recently expanded its holdings in the Permian Basin by purchasing additional working interests in prime production assets for approximately $55 million. These newly acquired assets were originally part of a larger transaction involving Henry Energy, Moriah Henry Partners, and Henry Resources.

Well, it’s a Christmas ❄️time again. We all know Rudolf, the hero of Christmas, guiding Santa's sleigh through the night. And then there’s this massive Transcontinental pipeline (Transco), stretching thousands of miles, sending gas all over the place. It's like comparing grandkid's toy car with a real monster truck. So, who's faster in the present-delivery? Rudolf’s magic or Transco's might? That's a tough one, but we'll leave that for you to decide while we kick back with some eggnog.

Once upon a Christmas, Santa Claus, while checking his list, noticed something different. Far away in Texas, there was a place called the Permian Basin, not filled with snow, but with oil fields. These fields were letting out a gas called methane, which wasn't good for the air. Santa, always caring for our planet, decided this year he'd do something about it. So, he set off on a special journey, with his bag of toys and a plan to help the Earth. Let's join Santa on this unique adventure as he tries to make the Permian Basin a bit greener this Christmas.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, alright! And nowhere more so than in Texas, where oil rigs could pass off as giant metallic Christmas trees

Unit Corporation (OTCQX: UNTC) has successfully completed the sale of some of its non-core oil and gas assets located in the Texas Panhandle. This sale, involving assets known as the "Divested Assets," resulted in the company receiving $50 million in cash at the time of closing. This amount may be adjusted later according to the terms of the sale agreement.

Pembina Pipeline Corporation PBA, a well-known player in the Canadian midstream sector, recently announced its plan to acquire Enbridge Inc.'s remaining shares in the Alliance Pipeline, Aux Sable pipelines, and NRGreen joint ventures. The deal, valued at C$3.1 billion or US$2.3 billion, marks a key step for Pembina in asserting its leadership in North America's natural gas transportation sector. This strategic acquisition is expected to considerably boost Pembina's growth and profitability in the coming years.

Occidental Petroleum is expanding its reach in the Midland Basin and targeting deeper drilling in the Barnett area through its significant $12 billion purchase of CrownRock LP. CrownRock, a collaboration between CrownQuest Operating LLC and Lime Rock Partners, is recognized for its prime land holdings in the Permian Basin. This acquisition brings over 94,000 net acres and 1,700 undeveloped drilling spots in the Midland Basin to Occidental's portfolio.

SilverBow Resources Inc. finished buying Chesapeake Energy Corp.'s oil and gas areas in South Texas. They agreed to this $700 million deal back in August. The deal included SilverBow paying $650 million in cash when the deal was closed. They will also pay another $50 million in cash a year later, with some usual changes in the amount. Chesapeake might get an additional $50 million later, depending on the prices of oil and gas in the future. SilverBow paid for this big purchase with the money they had, by borrowing from their credit line, and by selling more of their second lien notes.

Tenaris has successfully finalized the purchase of Mattr's Pipe Coating Division, previously known as Shawcor, for a total of $182.6 million. This figure includes working capital and $16.9 million in cash. Announced back on August 14, 2023, the acquisition has now received the green light from regulatory bodies in both Mexico and Norway.

Baytex Energy Corp., a prominent oil and gas company, has struck a deal to sell part of its Viking assets located in Forgan and Plato, southwest Saskatchewan. The transaction sealed at CAD 153.8 million (approximately US$113.23 million).

This summer, J.P. Morgan Securities highlighted Endeavor Energy Resources as the Midland Basin's standout in mergers and acquisitions, suggesting its value might approach $30 billion. Endeavor Energy Resources, a privately-owned entity in Midland focusing solely on its operations, has seen a significant uptick in production. It now boasts a production rate of 331,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), marking a 25% increase from the previous year.

WhiteHawk Energy has recently completed a significant acquisition in the Marcellus Shale, investing $54 million. This deal has effectively doubled their mineral and royalty ownership in the Marcellus Shale, particularly in Greene and Washington counties in Pennsylvania. This region is noted for its high-quality natural gas reserves. WhiteHawk’s Marcellus assets now encompass approximately 475,000 gross unit acres, featuring production from about 1,315 horizontal shale wells. In addition to this, they own interests in 72 wells-in-progress, 64 permitted wells, and nearly 900 undeveloped Marcellus locations. This acquisition is expected to double WhiteHawk's net revenue interest in each well within its Marcellus holdings​​.

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alos Energy and Repsol have formed a partnership, each owning 50-50, to reexamine seismic data in a shared area to identify where to drill in the coming years. Tim Duncan, the CEO of Talos, sees this as a strategic use of land they acquired from EnVen Energy Corp to enhance its value. Talos Energy is putting to use the land they bought from EnVen Energy Corp for $1.1 billion. CEO Tim Duncan talked about this on November 7, explaining that it's a smart move because the government has delayed a big decision on new ocean drilling areas. By teaming up with Repsol, Talos plans to work on the land they already have, about 100,000 acres, so they don't have to wait for new permits.

Kinder Morgan's strategic acquisition of STX Midstream from NextEra is a significant move to enhance its infrastructure capabilities in South Texas. The area is witnessing an upsurge in natural gas production and demand, particularly towards Mexico and the Gulf Coast markets. The 462-mile pipeline system, which is highly contracted with an average contract length of over eight years, is expected to generate about $181 million in EBITDA for 2023.

Crescent Point Energy Corp has finalized a deal to acquire Hammerhead Energy Inc. for approximately $1.86 billion. This strategic acquisition significantly expands Crescent Point's drilling locations within the Montney Shale region in Alberta, Canada, positioning the company as a stronger competitor in one of North America's most resource-rich oil areas.

Denver-rooted Civitas Resources, Inc. concluded an arrangement to acquire Vencer Energy's assets in the Midland Basin from Vitol for an approximate $2.1 billion. The $2.1 billion arrangement between Civitas Resources and Vencer Energy is a strategic maneuver that enlarges Civitas' presence in the resource-rich Permian Basin. By securing approximately 44,000 net acres, Civitas not only acquires a substantial asset but also amplifies its production capacity by 62 to 62.5 Mboe/d. The transaction, which is anticipated to complete in January, is perceived as a cost-effective acquisition that markedly enhances Civitas Resources’ scale in the Permian Basin.

Chevron Corp has agreed to acquire Hess Corp in a $53 billion all-stock deal. This acquisition will not only enhance Chevron’s position in the domestic oil market but also fetch a substantial stake in Exxon Mobil's promising Guyana projects.

Peyto Exploration & Development Corp., a notable natural gas producer in Canada, has secured a significant acquisition deal with Repsol, a Spanish energy conglomerate, for its Canadian assets at $468 million. This acquisition is a deviation from Peyto's traditional approach of smaller, bolt-on acquisitions, reflecting a strategic evolution aimed at positioning the company to take advantage of the anticipated changes in North America's ability to export oil and gas by 2025.

he PHMSA mandates Equitrans to clearly detail the progression measures for the Mountain Valley Pipeline completion. Equitrans Midstream, overseeing the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) in Virginia's Jefferson National Forest, has committed to enhanced safety protocols following a consent order from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). As part of the agreement, Equitrans and MVP LLC have vowed to transparently detail the pipeline's progression, aiming to bolster public trust.

Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) has reached an agreement to acquire its domestic competitor, Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD.N). This all-stock transaction, which places a valuation of $59.5 billion on the deal, promises to establish Exxon as the preeminent producer in the U.S.'s most extensive oilfield. At a valuation of $253 per share, this merger brings together the prowess of Exxon, America's largest oil entity, with Pioneer, a standout performer that has risen to prominence during the shale boom.

Expro recently announced its acquisition of PRT Offshore. This deal enhances Expro's technological capabilities in subsea well access, especially in North and Latin America. Additionally, it promotes the expansion of PRT Offshore's equipment in Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Michael Jardon, Expro's CEO, sees this collaboration offering considerable growth for PRT Offshore. He highlighted the combined potential to deliver better integrated offshore solutions. The entire deal, which includes Expro shares, stands at an approximate value of $106 million. RBC Capital Markets acted as the financial adviser for Expro in this transaction.

Natural gas from the U.S. Permian Basin is set to be the primary source for Mexico's Pacific's Saguaro Energía LNG facility. Located in Puerto Libertad, Sonora, the Saguaro Energía LNG export facility will feature three processing trains. The site is primed for potential expansion with plans for three additional trains of similar capacity. Its strategic Pacific Coast location offers a 55% shorter shipping route to Asia, providing significant savings and reduced carbon emissions​​.

Houston-based Murphy Oil Corp. has successfully concluded the divestiture of its non-core operated assets located across its Western Canadian terrain, including the assets in the Kaybob Duvernay region and the complete non-operated Placid Montney position through a subsidiary. The divestiture was initially made public in August and was concluded. The transaction yielded cash proceeds of around US$104 million (CA$141 million), slightly lower than the originally anticipated US$112 million.

In a recent announcement, energy services firm Baker Hughes stated that U.S. energy companies have decreased the number of operating oil and gas rigs for the third successive week. This development marks the first such consistent reduction since early September. As of October 6, the count for oil and gas rigs, considered a precursor to future production levels, has seen a decline by four, positioning it at 619. This is the lowest figure recorded since February of the preceding year. The overall rig count has decreased by 143 or 19% when compared to last year's statistics.

Vital Energy, focused on the Permian Basin, plans quick debt reduction after securing $1.165 billion in deals, adding key Midland and Delaware basin inventory.

Energy firms like Shell are facing the challenge of delivering cost-effective energy, reducing emissions, and enhancing shareholder value. Shell pursues its 2050 net-zero emission target, Wright highlighted the company's efforts to deliver greener energy solutions in line with increasing demand. This includes reconfiguring its energy and chemical facilities and earmarking between $10 billion to $15 billion for investment in low-carbon sectors by 2025.

LM Energy Holdings is set to sell assets including over 130 miles of pipelines, terminals, and other facilities in Eddy and Lea, New Mexico, Delaware Basin. LM Energy Holdings LLC has concluded definitive agreements to divest subsidiaries and assets associated with its Touchdown Crude Oil Gathering System situated in Eddy and Lea counties, New Mexico. The purchasing entity and financial particulars remain undisclosed.

Lycos Energy Inc. has solidified a conclusive agreement to procure Durham Creek Exploration Ltd., a prominent heavy oil producer, for a total of CA$22.5 million. Lycos Energy Inc. is delighted to disclose the conclusion of a definitive agreement to acquire Durham Creek Exploration Ltd., an independent, private heavy oil producer. This acquisition, by way of a plan of arrangement, is valued at $22.5 million, comprising $12.5 million in cash and 2.8 million Lycos common shares, each valued at $3.55. The Acquisition will be financed through a $25 million bought deal equity financing.

Rangeland Energy has agreed to sell Rangeland Midstream Canada to Kingston Midstream Alberta and remains committed to future Canadian midstream investments. Texas-based Rangeland Energy, supported by financial partner EnCap Flatrock Midstream, has inked a deal to sell its Canadian subsidiary, Rangeland Midstream Canada Ltd., to Calgary's Kingston Midstream Alberta Ltd. for cash.

The merger between ONEOK and Magellan received approval from Magellan shareholders, securing just 55% of the total votes at Magellan’s meeting on Sept. 21. ONEOK Inc. has successfully concluded the acquisition of Magellan Midstream Partners LP on Sept. 25. The deal will bring together their respective assets and expertise, resulting in a powerful entity boasting an extensive network of approximately 25,000 miles of pipelines primarily focused on transporting liquids.

Viper Energy's deal, comprised of cash and equity, secures an additional 2,800 net royalty acres in the Midland Basin and 1,800 in the Delaware Basin. Viper Energy Partners LP, a Diamondback Energy Inc. subsidiary, has inked a deal to acquire mineral and royalty interests in the Permian Basin. The deal, valued at around $1 billion, is with Warwick Capital Partners and GRP Energy Capital. Viper was established by Diamondback with the purpose of owning, purchasing, and capitalizing on oil and natural gas assets in North America, specifically targeting mineral and royalty interests.

Western Midstream will acquire Meritage Midstream's Powder River Basin assets, including gas gathering and an NGL pipeline, for $885 million in cash. A subsidiary of Western Midstream Partners LP is set to acquire Meritage Midstream Services II LLC in an $885 million all-cash transaction, marking a significant expansion in the Powder River Basin for the company.

Tivoli Services finalized the purchase of the NTX pipeline system from Phillips 66, backed by a long-term transportation services agreement. Tivoli Services LLC, a branch of Tivoli Midstream LLC, completed the purchase of the NTX oil pipeline system in the Barnett Shale from Phillips 66 affiliates, according to press release by Tivoli Midstream. The financial terms remain undisclosed.

AltaGas announced plans to acquire Tidewater's Phase 1 and II expansions of the Pipestone Natural Gas Processing Plant, a truck terminal, and related pipelines. Recently AltaGas Ltd. revealed that it had finalized a deal with Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure Ltd. to purchase an array of midstream assets, storage solutions, and terminals for a sum of CA$650 million (approximately US$480 million).

Energy Transfer's unit prices have surged over 13% this year, bolstered by two significant acquisitions. The company spent nearly $1.5 billion on acquiring Lotus Midstream, a deal that will instantly boost its free and distributable cash flow. A recently inked $7.1 billion deal to acquire Crestwood Equity Partners is also set to immediately enhance the company's distributable cash flow per unit. Energy Transfer aims to unlock commercial opportunities and refinance Crestwood's debt, amplifying the deal's value proposition. These strategic acquisitions provide the company additional avenues for expanding its distribution, which already offers a strong yield of 9.2%. Energized by both organic growth and its midstream consolidation efforts, Energy Transfer aims to uplift its payout by 3% to 5% annually.

EQT disbursed roughly $2.4 billion in cash and issued 49.6 million shares of its common stock to acquire the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream assets. On August 22, EQT Corp. announced the completion of its long-delayed acquisition of XcL Midstream, following extensive Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reviews. The final purchase, post-price adjustments, consisted of about $2.4 billion in cash and 49.6 million EQT common shares. The cash component was financed through a $1.25 billion term loan, $1 billion from existing cash reserves, and a previously escrowed $150 million deposit.

Prairie Operating Co. buys 20K+ acres in Weld County, CO, expanding its footprint in the core of the Denver-Julesburg Basin. The evaluation report reveals that the land has more to offer beyond the initial findings and that hundreds of additional locations are viable for drilling in the future beyond an initial five-year program. On August 21, Prairie Operating disclosed findings from an external, independent assessment focused on its inactive holdings in Weld County.

Permian Resources to buy Earthstone Energy for $4.5B, focusing on Delaware Basin. Earthstone's Midland Basin assets may be up for sale. “This is a Delaware Basin company. That’s how we think about the focus going forward,” Permian Resources co-CEO James Walter said.

OneRock acquired Northwoods Management’s assets in Wyoming's Powder River Basin, average production of approximately 5,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Energy Transfer is taking on $3 billion of Crestwood's debt in a stock deal. This move expands their reach in the Williston and Delaware basins and gets them into the Powder River Basin for the first time.

According to Globaldata, 196,130km of planned and announced trunk oil and gas pipelines are anticipated to become operational globally between 2023 and 2030. This consists of 113,099km of planned pipelines that have identified development plans, and 83,031km of early-stage announced pipelines currently under conceptual study, expected to receive development approval. Based on Global Energy Monitor's 2023 data, Africa and the Middle East account for 49% of the global oil transmission pipeline construction, valued at US$25.3 billion. The report indicates these regions are currently constructing 4,400 km of pipelines with an investment of US$14.4 billion. There are plans for an additional 10,800 km at an approximate cost of US$59.8 billion.

Earthstone Energy is selling Eagle Ford locations to concentrate on the Permian Basin, streamlining its exploration and production focus. Earthstone Energy Inc., based in The Woodlands, Texas, is putting an Eagle Ford asset on the market as the company focuses on divesting non-core properties and directing investment towards the Permian Basin. The assets that Earthstone is planning to sell include production and land in northeast Karnes County, Texas, as well as in southern Gonzales County, Texas, as outlined in the marketing documents. For the sales process, Earthstone has engaged Opportune Partners LLC to serve as its exclusive financial adviser.

WhiteHawk Energy LLC completed its second Haynesville Shale mineral and royalty acquisition of the year, spanning northwestern Louisiana and eastern Texas. WhiteHawk also secured a $100 million acquisition finance facility from an undisclosed "top tier institution." The company will utilize $20 million from this facility to fund the Haynesville purchase from Mesa Minerals Partners II LLC

Chevron Corp. has finalized the acquisition of PDC Energy Inc.'s land holdings in the Denver-Julesburg and Permian basins. Chevron Corporation (CVX) has announced its intention to acquire PDC Energy, Inc. (PDCE) in an all-stock deal valued at $6.3 billion. Under the agreement terms, PDC stockholders will receive 0.4638 Chevron shares for each PDCE share, bringing the total enterprise value to $7.6 billion, inclusive of debt. The acquisition is seen as a strategic step to enhance Chevron's position in vital U.S. production basins, unlocking new opportunities and potentially driving higher returns. As part of the agreement, Chevron will issue around 41 million shares of common stock at the deal's closure. Both Chevron's and PDC Energy's boards of directors have unanimously approved the acquisition.

SM Energy acquired 20,000 net acres in Dawson and north Martin counties in Texas, completing the transaction in cash. SM Energy Co., based in Denver, intends to expand on its success from the second quarter by increasing its drilling and completion activities in the coming quarter. This plan also includes preparations to develop the newly acquired land in the Midland basin. In June, the company's president and CEO, Herb Vogel, along with his team, raised their target for total oil and gas production for the second quarter to 13.9 MMboe, up from 13.4 MMboe. They exceeded this target, reaching nearly 14.1 MMboe, with oil making up 42% of that figure. During the quarter, SM Energy drilled 17 wells, with 12 located in South Texas and five in the Midland basin. They also completed 25 wells, 17 of which were in the Midland basin.

Kimbell Royalty Partners' acquisition adds land in Delaware & Midland basins, enhancing its lead in production, active rigs, DUCs, permits & undrilled inventory. Kimbell Royalty Partners LP has recently announced a landmark deal, the largest in its history, to expand its foothold in the oil and gas industry. The company has agreed to purchase Permian Basin and Midcontinent assets for a staggering $455 million in cash from a private seller.

Diamondback Energy sold more midstream assets in Q2 as part of a $1B plan to shed non-core assets, reducing debt in the Permian Basin. In July, Texas-based Diamondback Energy Inc. sold a 43% stake in the OMOG crude oil system, revealing this in its Q2 earnings on July 31. OMOG JV LLC, running 400 miles of pipelines and 350,000 bbl of storage in Midland, Martin, Andrews, and Ector counties, was detailed in Diamondback's filings. The sale provided $225 million in gross proceeds. Diamondback has announced or completed $1.1 billion in non-core asset sales since initiating the program. Initially aimed at raising $500 million, the 2023 target was increased to $1 billion.

Murphy Oil has entered into a purchase and sale agreement to sell a section of its Kaybob Duvernay assets and entire Placid Montney assets. A subsidiary of Murphy Oil Corp. has entered into an agreement to sell a "non-core segment" of its operated Kaybob Duvernay assets and its entire non-operated Placid Montney assets to a private company, as stated in the company's earnings report released on August 3rd. The transaction is set to take effect from March 1, 2023, and the closing is expected to be finalized in the third quarter of the same year.

Calgary-based pipeline operator TC Energy is selling a 40% stake in its natural gas pipeline systems for $3.9 billion as part of its efforts to reduce debt. TC Energy Corporation (TRP) has agreed to sell a 40% stake in its Columbia Gas Transmission and Columbia Gulf Transmission systems to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). This move will help TC Energy reduce its debt and establish a valuable long-term partnership with GIP, a prominent infrastructure investor.

ExxonMobil's joined assets speed up their Low Carbon Solutions business, offering better decarbonization options for customers. ExxonMobil's top CCS network supports their commitment to low carbon value chains, like hydrogen and biofuels. The transaction synergies will cut over 100 MTA of emissions, leading to strong growth and returns. Exxon Mobil Corporation revealed that it will acquire Denbury Inc., a company specializing in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCS) solutions and enhanced oil recovery. $4.9 billion deal will be completed through an all-stock transaction. Darren Woods, Chairman and CEO said “Acquiring Denbury reflects our determination to profitably grow our Low Carbon Solutions business by serving a range of hard-to-decarbonize industries with a comprehensive carbon capture and sequestration offering”.

One of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries is set to raise its ownership in the Cove Point liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal located in Maryland. This comes after the company signed a substantial $3.3 billion agreement with Dominion Energy. Under the agreement, Dominion Energy has agreed to sell its 50 percent noncontrolling limited partner interest in Cove Point LNG to Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Berkshire Hathaway Energy is the current operator of the facility and already holds a 100 percent general partner interest and a 25 percent limited partner interest.

Vital Energy’s deal adds 24,000 net acres and 100 gross drilling locations in Texas, growing its Permian Basin footprint to around 198,000 net acres. Vital Energy is revising its projections for oil and gas production and capital spending upward following the successful acquisition of a substantial area in the Permian Basin. The company has gained around 24,000 net acres and 100 gross drilling locations in Texas. As a result of this deal, Vital Energy is now increasing its full-year production and capital spending guidance.

Civitas Resources Expands into Denver-Julesburg Basin through $4.7B Cash and Stock Deals for NGP's Tap Rock and Hibernia. Civitas Resources has recently secured two definitive agreements to expand its presence in the Permian Basin's Midland and Delaware basins. The company will achieve this expansion through the acquisition of two private exploration and production companies, namely Hibernia Energy III LLC and Tap Rock Resources LLC. The total value of the deal, paid in both cash and stock, amounts to $4.7 billion. Both Hibernia Energy III LLC and Tap Rock Resources LLC are supported by NGP Energy Capital Management LLC. These acquisitions reflect the increasing demand for oil and gas reserves in the Permian Basin, with companies specializing in the region actively seeking new opportunities. Currently, Civitas Resources' primary production operations are focused in the Denver-Julesburg Basin (D-J Basin).

The midstream sector plays a vital role in the oil and gas supply chain, serving as a crucial link. As the energy transition continues, this industry, like the broader sector, encounters various risks. Yet, existing analyses have predominantly concentrated on the risks faced by the upstream and downstream sectors, leaving the fate of the midstream relatively unexplored. In a nutshell, midstream operators differentiate themselves by offering services instead of products, resulting in potentially distinct revenue models compared to extraction and refining businesses. However, they are not immune to the long-term risks associated with the energy transition away from oil and gas. Over time, companies involved in transporting and storing hydrocarbons face the possibility of encountering a combination of reduced volumes, heightened costs, and declining prices.

According to Reuters, Chevron has recently made additional assets available for acquisition in both New Mexico and Texas. As part of its strategy to streamline operations following significant shale acquisitions, Chevron is reportedly offering multiple oil and gas properties for sale in New Mexico and Texas. Marketing documents reviewed by Reuters reveal the company's intention to divest these assets. Despite its prominent position as the largest publicly-traded oil and gas producer and property owner with 2.2 million acres in the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico, Chevron has been actively divesting properties in the region. This divestment aligns with Chevron's efforts to optimize its portfolio and focus on its core operations.