Category: Industry Newsletter

April 13, 2026 Edition

At Valor, our goal is to keep you informed of the latest news and updates from the oil and gas industry. We are committed to sharing the insights and knowledge that our team gathers to help you stay ahead in this dynamic sector. From mergers and acquisitions to regulatory changes and technological advancements, we cover all the key developments that impact the industry. Stay tuned for weekly updates to keep you well-informed.

• Operators rethink ‘stay the course’ as sustained $100 oil more probable
• Summary: Permian Basin producers are shifting away from initial 2026 plans as sustained $100 WTI prices become more probable, with some operators drilling six wells compared to zero previously. Analysts predict the rig count could surge from 241 to 300 by late 2027, potentially lifting crude production by 500,000 barrels per day to reach 7.3 million. While rig reactivation is fast, labor and pipeline constraints remain, as key systems like Cactus II and Longhorn already operate at or near capacity.
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  U.S. gas drops on storage build, Permian bottlenecks keep Waha negative
• Summary: U.S. natural gas futures fell 0.5% to $2.711/MMBtu, a seven-month low, after the EIA reported a 50 billion cubic foot storage build for the week ending April 3. Prices at the Waha Hub in West Texas remained negative for a record 44 consecutive days, averaging -$1.37/MMBtu so far in 2026 due to Permian pipeline constraints. While Lower 48 output rose to 111.1 bcfd in April, total gas demand is projected to drop to 100.1 bcfd this week as mild weather keeps heating and cooling requirements low.
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• Oil prices tumble as traders unwind geopolitical bets
• Summary: Crude oil markets reversed sharply between April 5 and April 9, 2026, as traders shifted from aggressive risk pricing to rapid liquidation following a prior 12% rally. May WTI reached a weekly high of $117.73 before collapsing to a low of $91.05, eventually trading at $98.39 by Thursday. This -11.79% weekly decline represents a $13.15 drop driven by aggressive profit-taking and the absence of immediate supply disruptions, causing large funds to quickly unwind long positions as momentum slowed.
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• U.S. drillers cut oil and gas rigs for third time in four weeks, Baker Hughes says
• Summary: U.S. energy firms reduced the total oil and gas rig count by three to 545 for the week ending April 10, marking a 7% decline from the previous year. While oil rigs held steady at 411, gas rigs dropped by three to 127, their lowest since late March, despite a rise in Gulf of Mexico activity to 13 rigs. The EIA projects 2026 crude output will slide to 13.5 million bpd from a record 13.6 million in 2025, even as natural gas production is forecast to reach 109.6 bcfd with prices rising about 4%.
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  Mild U.S. weather weighs on Nat-Gas prices
• Summary: Natural gas futures fell to a 7.5-month low as mild spring temperatures across the eastern U.S. reduced heating demand, while a larger-than-expected storage build of 50 bcf added further downward pressure. U.S. dry gas production held near record highs at 111.3 bcfd, keeping supply well above its five-year seasonal average. Some medium-term support remains on the outlook for tighter global LNG supplies following damage to Qatar’s Ras Laffan export facility.
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  Goldman warns of a natural gas shock that could rival the oil crisis
• Summary: Goldman Sachs warns of a painful global gas squeeze as Qatari infrastructure damage at Ras Laffan may take three to five years to repair, potentially requiring a total rebuild. Natural gas prices have already surged 50% to 70%, with analyst Samantha Dart projecting another 50% to 100% increase if supply remains tight ahead of the October inventory deadline. While China’s redirected surplus currently provides relief, the lack of spare U.S. capacity could soon force aggressive demand rationing.
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  Record oil production in West Texas helps stabilize U.S. supply amid Iran war
• Summary: Texas produced nearly half of all U.S. oil in 2025, reaching 6.6 million barrels daily from the Permian Basin despite operating with significantly fewer rigs than a decade ago. This record output contributed to total U.S. production of 13.6 million barrels per day, helping support domestic supply during a period of global market disruption. While efficiency gains continue to drive higher output, analysts note that lower rig counts could contribute to a modest production decline in the coming years.
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Contact Valor Today

Contact us today if you need help outsourcing your oil and gas operations.

The information provided by Valor in this blog is for general informational purposes only, not to provide specific recommendations or legal or tax-related advice. The blog/website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

April 6, 2026 Edition

At Valor, our goal is to keep you informed of the latest news and updates from the oil and gas industry. We are committed to sharing the insights and knowledge that our team gathers to help you stay ahead in this dynamic sector. From mergers and acquisitions to regulatory changes and technological advancements, we cover all the key developments that impact the industry. Stay tuned for weekly updates to keep you well-informed.

• Exxon and QatarEnergy’s joint venture Golden Pass produces first LNG at new Texas facility
• Summary: The Golden Pass LNG joint venture, owned 70% by QatarEnergy and 30% by Exxon Mobil, successfully produced its first fuel at its Texas facility on March 30, 2026. This $10 billion project aims for a second-quarter export launch, with the first of three trains adding 6 million metric tons per annum to global supply. This milestone occurs as QatarEnergy declares force majeure on 20% of the world’s LNG supply due to Middle East conflict, which could impact 17% of their output for up to five years.
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  WTI prices soar past Brent as Hormuz conflict flips global market
• Summary: WTI crude spiked to $111.29 per barrel, inverting the typical global benchmark structure by trading at a premium over Brent’s $107.57. This rare inversion occurred as President Trump vowed to hit Iran extremely hard, causing oil prices to surge over 10% while tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—which normally handles 20% of global flows—effectively stalled. WTI has gained a security premium because it is physically accessible and can be exported without transiting the blocked region.
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• U.S. rig count rises for first time in three weeks
• Summary: The U.S. total rig count rose to 548 this week, with active oil rigs increasing by 2 to 411 and gas rigs rising by 3 to 130, according to Baker Hughes data. While domestic crude production held steady at 13.657 million bpd, the Frac Spread Count fell by 5 crews, following a loss of 8 in the prior week. Oil prices surged as the Middle East conflict stalled tanker traffic, pushing WTI above $111 per barrel and Brent to $108.60, as Iran issued threats of broader attacks and regional supply risks grew.
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• Hawkins Capital, Knock Out Energy combine
• Summary: Hawkins Capital USA, a division of Hawkins Lease Service, has acquired Knock Out Energy LLC to expand its oil and gas field services across the Permian Basin and Barnett Shale. Knock Out Energy operates with a workforce of more than 80 employees and a fleet of 80 vehicles, specializing in compressor mechanics, electrical work, and cathodic protection. While the firms will continue as independent entities, the deal provides Hawkins with a physical presence in the Permian Basin and supports Knock Out’s expansion into coast-to-coast projects in states like Oregon and South Carolina.
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  AI leads record deal flow while energy reality looms
• Summary: AI dominated Q1 2026 M&A activity despite Middle East war disruptions, with 22 deals over $10 billion and a $110 billion funding round for OpenAI. Equity stake sales in the AI sector accounted for 29% of all merger and acquisition activity as investors prioritized long-term strategy over short-term energy volatility. However, experts warn that record daily oil production cuts exceeding 10 million barrels and helium shortages for semiconductors could fuel inflation and stall future growth.
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  U.S. crude oil production hit record 13.6 million barrels a day in 2025
• Summary: The U.S. set a crude oil production record of 13.6 million barrels per day in 2025, a 3% increase from 2024 despite a 5% drop in active rigs. The Permian Basin dominated the market, accounting for 48% of total output and growing by 280,000 barrels per day to reach 6.6 million. While WTI prices fell to $65 per barrel, efficiency gains allowed for record growth, with the Lower 48 providing 83% of supply and Permian breakeven costs remaining between $61 and $62, well below the previous year’s price average.
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  The two-week window that could break global commodity markets
• Summary: Global markets face a systemic breakdown as five interconnected commodity chains—oil and gas, naphtha, fertilizer, helium, and logistics—shift from pricing risk to severe deliverability constraints. The divergence between paper and physical markets is widening, with the next 14 days representing a critical compression phase where depleted buffers could trigger abrupt, non-linear economic shocks. While U.S. strategic reserves can mitigate short-term oil gaps, they cannot resolve the deeper integration of soaring LNG competition, petrochemical feedstock scarcity, and failing logistics flexibility.
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Contact Valor Today

Contact us today if you need help outsourcing your oil and gas operations.

The information provided by Valor in this blog is for general informational purposes only, not to provide specific recommendations or legal or tax-related advice. The blog/website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

March 16, 2026 Edition

At Valor, our goal is to keep you informed of the latest news and updates from the oil and gas industry. We are committed to sharing the insights and knowledge that our team gathers to help you stay ahead in this dynamic sector. From mergers and acquisitions to regulatory changes and technological advancements, we cover all the key developments that impact the industry. Stay tuned for weekly updates to keep you well-informed.

• Waha gas prices turn negative for record 25th straight day
• Summary: Natural gas prices at the Waha Hub in West Texas hit a record 25th consecutive day in negative territory, with cash prices falling as low as minus $7.15/MMBtu, as insufficient pipeline takeaway capacity continues to strand associated gas in the basin. Analysts at EBW Analytics expect negative pricing to persist through much of spring, with near-term production curtailments possible. Relief is anticipated when new pipelines, including the Blackcomb system, come online in the second half of 2026.
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• Goldman Sachs hikes Brent oil forecast to over $100 for March
• Summary: Goldman Sachs raised its Brent Crude forecast to an average above $100 per barrel for March, citing ongoing supply disruptions tied to the Middle East conflict. The bank warned that if Strait of Hormuz disruptions extend from weeks to months, Q4 Brent could average as high as $93 per barrel with near-term spikes above $100. A coordinated IEA emergency release of 400 million barrels and a U.S. waiver on stranded Russian crude have so far failed to meaningfully rein in prices.
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• U.S. drillers add oil and gas rigs for second week in a row
• Summary: The U.S. oil and gas rig count rose by two to 553 for the week ending March 13 — its highest level since November 2025 — marking the first back-to-back weekly gain since early February, according to Baker Hughes. Oil rigs climbed to 412 and gas rigs to 133, with the Haynesville reaching a count not seen since May 2023. Despite the uptick, the total rig count remains roughly 7% below year-ago levels.
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• U.S. natural gas production reached a new record in 2025
• Summary: U.S. marketed natural gas production averaged a record 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025, a gain of 5.3 Bcf/d from the prior year, according to the EIA. The Appalachia, Permian, and Haynesville regions drove 81% of that growth, with Permian output rising 11% to 27.7 Bcf/d as associated gas from oil-directed drilling continued to climb. A 60% rise in Henry Hub spot prices in 2025 to $3.52/MMBtu contributed to production growth across all regions.
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• Annual U.S. crude oil exports decrease for first time since 2021
• Summary: U.S. crude oil exports fell approximately 3% in 2025 to 4.0 million barrels per day — the first annual decrease since 2021 — despite domestic production hitting a record 13.6 million bpd. Exports declined to both Europe and the Asia-Oceania region, with volumes to China dropping sharply, while shipments to Nigeria, India, and Japan increased. A larger drop in imports brought net U.S. crude oil imports down from 2.5 million b/d in 2024 to 2.2 million b/d in 2025.
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• BOEM releases updated assessment of undiscovered U.S. offshore resources
• Summary: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management released its 2026 National Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources, estimating a mean of 65.80 billion barrels of oil and 218.43 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in technically recoverable resources across the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf — representing roughly 100 or more years of offshore production at current rates. The Gulf of America leads with 26.9 billion barrels of undiscovered oil, followed by Alaska at 24.1 billion barrels. The figures represent a modest decrease of approximately 4% for oil and 5% for gas from the 2021 assessment.
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• BP wins key approval for Kaskida deepwater project in U.S. Gulf
• Summary: BP received federal approval for its Kaskida deepwater project in the Gulf — the company’s first full-scale new field development in the region since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. The $5 billion project targets a section of seafloor estimated to hold up to 10 billion barrels and is expected to begin initial crude production in 2029. The field had remained undeveloped since its discovery nearly 20 years ago due to extreme pressure and geological complexity that required technological advances to unlock.
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Contact Valor Today

Contact us today if you need help outsourcing your oil and gas operations.

The information provided by Valor in this blog is for general informational purposes only, not to provide specific recommendations or legal or tax-related advice. The blog/website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

March 2, 2026 Edition

At Valor, our goal is to keep you informed of the latest news and updates from the oil and gas industry. We are committed to sharing the insights and knowledge that our team gathers to help you stay ahead in this dynamic sector. From mergers and acquisitions to regulatory changes and technological advancements, we cover all the key developments that impact the industry. Stay tuned for weekly updates to keep you well-informed.

• Oil markets brace for volatility amid Middle East supply instability risks
• Summary: Oil prices climbed after escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupted key supply routes and heightened concerns about regional stability. Brent and WTI crude jumped roughly 9% to $79.41 and $72.79 respectively on Monday, following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a corridor that carries about 20% of global oil flows. While OPEC+ signaled a 206,000 bpd output increase to help offset potential shortfalls, analysts caution that prolonged disruption to the 15 million barrels per day moving through the chokepoint could push prices toward $100 per barrel.
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• Conocophillips considers selling Permian assets worth $2B
• Summary: ConocoPhillips is exploring the sale of Delaware Basin assets valued at approximately $2 billion as part of a strategy to streamline its portfolio following the $22.5 billion acquisition of Marathon Oil. The company, which has already closed $3.2 billion in divestitures during 2025, aims to reach a total asset-sale target of $5 billion by the end of 2026 to optimize its core high-return operations. While interest is expected from both strategic and private equity suitors, deliberations remain in the early stages with no guarantee that the Houston-based producer will proceed with the transaction.
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• Global gas markets shocked as Qatar ceases LNG production
• Summary: Global gas markets surged after LNG production was suspended at a major export hub amid regional security concerns, removing roughly 20% of global supply from the market. The halt triggered a 50% spike in European Dutch TTF gas prices to over €46/MWh, while Asian JKM benchmarks rose 39% to $15.068 per MMBtu. Brent crude also climbed 13% to $82 per barrel as traders reacted to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and precautionary shutdowns affecting multiple production facilities. The disruption leaves global buyers facing a significant supply gap with no confirmed timeline for full operations to resume.
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• U.S. drillers cut oil and gas rigs for first time in six weeks, says Baker Hughes
• Summary: U.S. energy firms reduced the total oil and gas rig count by one to 550 for the week ending February 27, the first decline in six weeks. Oil rigs fell by two to 407—the lowest since December—while gas rigs rose by one to 134, marking their highest level since July 2023. Despite this 7% year-over-year drop in activity, the EIA projects 2026 crude output will hold at 13.6 million bpd, while natural gas production is expected to reach a record 110.0 bcfd amid a forecast 22% jump in spot prices.
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• OPEC+ agrees to modest oil output boost amid shipping disruptions
• Summary: OPEC+ agreed to a modest 206,000 bpd production increase for April, ending a three-month pause even as disruptions to key shipping routes have constrained crude flows. Although some members have spare capacity, limited transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a corridor for about 20% of global oil, has reduced Gulf shipments and lifted Brent crude toward $80 per barrel. Analysts say that this roughly 0.2% supply boost is unlikely to stabilize markets if navigation challenges persist, with prices potentially rising above $100 per barrel if disruptions continue.
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• Cheniere’s profit soars by 64% in 2025 as LNG demand jumps
• Summary: Cheniere Energy reported a 64% surge in 2025 net income to $5.33 billion, driven by record exports of 670 LNG cargoes and a 27% revenue increase to $19.98 billion. The company reached a milestone of 4,610 total cargoes on its 10th anniversary while completing four of seven trains at its Corpus Christi Stage 3 expansion. For 2026, Cheniere projects adjusted EBITDA between $6.75 billion and $7.25 billion as it anticipates finishing the remaining three trains to meet sustained demand from Europe and Asia.
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• infinity completes $1.2B Utica acquisition from Antero
• Summary: Infinity Natural Resources finalized the $1.2 billion purchase of 71,000 net acres and 141 miles of midstream assets in the Ohio Utica Shale from Antero. The deal, funded partly by a $350 million equity investment from Quantum and Carnelian, increases Infinity’s basin footprint to 102,000 net acres and 575 total drilling locations. While Infinity plans a two-rig program for 2026, Antero is utilizing the proceeds to high-grade its Marcellus portfolio through a $2.8 billion acquisition of HG Energy, targeting a 2026 production average of 4.1 Bcfe/d.
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Contact Valor Today

Contact us today if you need help outsourcing your oil and gas operations.

The information provided by Valor in this blog is for general informational purposes only, not to provide specific recommendations or legal or tax-related advice. The blog/website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

February 23, 2026 Edition

At Valor, our goal is to keep you informed of the latest news and updates from the oil and gas industry. We are committed to sharing the insights and knowledge that our team gathers to help you stay ahead in this dynamic sector. From mergers and acquisitions to regulatory changes and technological advancements, we cover all the key developments that impact the industry. Stay tuned for weekly updates to keep you well-informed.

• Brazos starts up new gas processing plant in Midland Basin
• Summary: Brazos Midstream has commissioned Sundance II, a 300 MMcfd cryogenic plant in Martin County, expanding its Midland Basin footprint across seven Texas counties. The company also began construction on the 300 MMcfd Cassidy I facility in Glasscock County, which will increase total Midland processing capacity to 800 MMcfd by late 2026. These projects, supported by 375,000 dedicated acres, aim to raise Brazos’ total Permian capacity from 1 billion cfd to approximately 1.3 billion cfd this year.
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• U.S. oil drilling activity still going nowhere
• Summary: The total number of active U.S. drilling rigs remained stagnant at 551 this week, representing a year-over-year decrease of 41 units according to Baker Hughes data. While oil and gas rig counts held steady at 409 and 133 respectively, weekly domestic crude production rose by 22,000 bpd to reach an average of 13.735 million bpd. Despite the flat rig count, Frac Spread crews increased by 8, and the Permian Basin saw a slight rise of 1 rig as Brent and WTI futures traded lower at $71.40 and $66.15.
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• Oil holds near six-month high
• Summary: WTI and Brent settled at $66.48 and $71.76 respectively as Middle East supply tensions and a 9-million-barrel drop in US crude stockpiles supported prices near six-month highs. Escalating geopolitical risk in the region, which produces over 3 million barrels daily, raised concerns over potential supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite a 5.6% weekly gain, market indicators like wide backwardation and bullish options skews signal expectations for further tightening, as regional tensions show little sign of easing near-term.
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• After years of buybacks, big oil is drilling again
• Summary: Oil supermajors are shifting strategy from shareholder distributions and low-carbon ventures toward expanding oil and gas reserves due to sustained global demand and slower-than-expected electric vehicle adoption. This pivot follows the International Energy Agency walking back its pre-2030 peak oil demand prediction, prompting companies like Shell and BP to prioritize growth and acquisitions to ensure long-term dividend sustainability. Despite a 20% drop in oil prices last year, investors are encouraging this refocus on core upstream operations as Rystad Energy forecasts a year of energy abundance in 2026.
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• U.S. natural gas pipeline capacity set for biggest buildout since 2008
• Summary: The U.S. natural gas industry is projected to add between 18 and 22 Bcf/d of pipeline capacity in 2026, marking the largest annual expansion since 31 Bcf/d was added in 2008. This massive buildout includes 12 to 22 new projects across Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, driven by a 20% compound annual growth rate in Permian associated gas and rising LNG export demand. Regulatory shifts, including the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act and expedited NEPA reviews as short as 14 days, are accelerating infrastructure meant to relieve Permian price volatility that saw Waha spot prices hit negative $8.790/MMBtu.
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• Natural gas price nears $3.05 as bomb cyclone and supply stress collide
• Summary: Natural gas futures rose to $3.05 per MMBtu as a severe bomb cyclone threatens the U.S. East Coast with heavy snow and 50 mph winds. While domestic production remains resilient, a record storage withdrawal of 360 Bcf during Winter Storm Fern in January has left inventories 5.6% below the five-year average. Globally, Turkish spot prices at 14,583 lira ($9–$10/MMBtu equivalent) and Colombia’s 23% year-over-year production drop highlight a structural supply squeeze. Despite these bullish indicators, European TTF and UK gas prices fell roughly 5% today, reflecting a stabilized medium-term equilibrium compared to the high-beta volatility currently impacting Henry Hub.
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• Japan’s $36 billion bet on U.S. energy dominance
• Summary: Japan has committed $36 billion as the first tranche of a $550-billion investment pledge, headlined by plans to build a 9.2 GW natural gas power plant in Ohio. Operated by SB Energy, this facility aims to meet surging AI-driven data center demand, which contributed to a 2.1% rise in U.S. electricity use in 2025. The funding also supports the Texas GulfLink deepwater port, designed to export 1 million barrels of crude daily and generate up to $30 billion in annual revenue.
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Contact Valor Today

Contact us today if you need help outsourcing your oil and gas operations.

The information provided by Valor in this blog is for general informational purposes only, not to provide specific recommendations or legal or tax-related advice. The blog/website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

February 16, 2026 Edition

At Valor, our goal is to keep you informed of the latest news and updates from the oil and gas industry. We are committed to sharing the insights and knowledge that our team gathers to help you stay ahead in this dynamic sector. From mergers and acquisitions to regulatory changes and technological advancements, we cover all the key developments that impact the industry. Stay tuned for weekly updates to keep you well-informed.

• Natural gas hits 4 month low of $ 3.02 on warm forecast
• Summary: U.S. natural gas futures slumped to roughly $3.02 per MMBtu, marking a four-month low as forecasts for warmer weather across the central and southern U.S. reduced expectations for heating demand. This decline reverses a recent spike to three-year highs driven by Winter Storm Fern and was exacerbated by thin liquidity during the President’s Day holiday. Despite the drop, market fundamentals remain supportive, with working gas inventories sitting roughly 130 Bcf below the five-year average and LNG exports sustaining near-record levels.
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• EIA sees flat crude output but rising gas production in 2026
• Summary: U.S. energy firms kept the total rig count unchanged at 551 this week, as a reduction of three oil rigs (to 409) was offset by the addition of three natural gas rigs (to 133). While the total count remains down 37 rigs year-over-year, gas drilling has surged to its highest level since July 2023. The EIA projects U.S. crude output will remain flat at 13.6 million bpd in 2026 amid falling oil prices, whereas natural gas production is forecast to rise to 110.0 bcfd, supported by a predicted 22% jump in Henry Hub spot prices.
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• Oil prices set for second weekly loss as IEA cuts demand view
• Summary: Oil prices are poised for a second consecutive weekly loss as fading fears of a U.S.-Iran escalation reduce the geopolitical risk premium, leaving Brent at $67.36 and WTI at $62.66. The International Energy Agency (IEA) triggered a 3% price drop by revising its 2026 demand growth forecast down to 850,000 bpd, contrasting with OPEC’s steady projection of 1.38 million bpd. Despite recent supply disruptions in North America and Kazakhstan, the IEA predicts a 2026 market surplus with global supply rising by 2.4 million bpd.
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• Oil edges higher on weak U.S. inflation data
• Summary: Oil prices settled marginally higher Friday—with Brent at $67.75 and WTI at $62.89—as slowing U.S. inflation data fueled hopes for rate cuts, offsetting concerns that OPEC+ may resume output increases in April. Despite the daily uptick, both benchmarks posted weekly losses of roughly 0.5% and 1%, respectively. Geopolitical factors remain mixed: while the U.S. eased Venezuelan energy sanctions (eyeing $5 billion in future sales) and Russia scheduled peace talks, the Pentagon deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East amid lingering tensions with Iran.
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• New Venezuela oil law a step forward says U.S. Energy Secretary
• Summary: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said following a meeting with Venezuelan officials that the country’s new oil law could support a potential increase in oil, natural gas, and electricity production as early as this year. The revised framework caps royalties at 30% and allows for greater private-sector participation, which Wright described as a constructive step toward attracting investment. However, he noted that further clarity may be needed before large-scale capital commitments materialize. Any meaningful production growth from Venezuela could influence global crude supply balances and potentially affect pricing dynamics in international markets.
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• Americas oil firms accelerate AI adoption for efficiency
• Summary: Oil and gas enterprises across the Americas are aggressively adopting AI, cloud platforms, and decarbonization technologies to modernize operations and cut costs, according to the 2025 ISG Provider Lens® report. U.S. shale operators in the Permian and Eagle Ford are leveraging AI and advanced analytics to optimize drilling accuracy and reservoir management, while Canadian firms focus on carbon capture and Brazilian companies scale biofuels. The report identifies major tech consultancies—including Accenture, Deloitte, and IBM—as leaders in guiding this transition, which prioritizes operational efficiency and resilience amid market volatility.
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Contact Valor Today

Contact us today if you need help outsourcing your oil and gas operations.

The information provided by Valor in this blog is for general informational purposes only, not to provide specific recommendations or legal or tax-related advice. The blog/website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

February 9, 2026 Edition

At Valor, our goal is to keep you informed of the latest news and updates from the oil and gas industry. We are committed to sharing the insights and knowledge that our team gathers to help you stay ahead in this dynamic sector. From mergers and acquisitions to regulatory changes and technological advancements, we cover all the key developments that impact the industry. Stay tuned for weekly updates to keep you well-informed.

• U.S. oil drillers add rigs even in price uncertainty
• Summary: The total U.S. rig count rose by 5 this week to 551, with oil rigs gaining 1 to reach 412 and gas rigs jumping 5 to 130, according to Baker Hughes data. Despite the increase, the total count remains 35 rigs below year-ago levels. Weekly crude production fell 481,000 bpd to 13.215 million bpd, now 647,000 bpd under the all-time high. Primary Vision’s Frac Spread Count dropped sharply by 15 crews to 148—the lowest point in five years—as oil prices traded around $64.34 for WTI and $68.72 for Brent.
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• Natural gas futures retreat on warmer weather forecasts
• Summary: Natural gas prices ended lower Friday after an early rally fizzled on forecasts of warmer U.S. temperatures trimming heating demand. March futures settled at $3.422, down 2.48%, despite a record 360 Bcf storage withdrawal that flipped inventories to 1.1% below the five-year average. The bearish 10-day outlook predicts above-normal temperatures across the Midwest and South through February 20, while the number of active gas rigs jumped to a 2.5-year high of 130—raising concerns about higher near-term production.
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• U.S. natural gas exporters brace for global glut
• Summary: A surge of LNG supply could create oversupply as soon as 2027, with U.S. capacity expanding to 19 Bcf/d by year-end and Qatar adding major new terminals. Golden Pass in Texas and new production lines at Cheniere’s Corpus Christi are set to come online, while companies approved a record six new LNG projects in 2025. Federal forecasters predict the glut could drive down global prices while pushing U.S. benchmark gas above $4.50 per MMBtu in 2027—a 30% increase over 2025—as exports divert nearly one-fifth of domestic production overseas and data centers add 3–6 Bcf/d of new demand.
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• Cheniere submits application for massive Corpus Christi LNG expansion
• Summary: Cheniere Energy filed an application with FERC to build a 24 million metric tonnes per annum LNG plant at its Corpus Christi facility in Texas—a Stage 4 expansion that would eventually boost total site capacity to 49 MMtpa. The project would add four new processing trains, each producing 6 MMtpa, and require 3.3 billion cubic feet of gas daily. Cheniere currently operates 52 MMtpa with another 8 MMtpa under construction, racing Venture Global to become the first U.S. exporter to surpass 100 MMtpa as the nation exported 111 MMt of LNG in 2025.
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• Williams eyes gas production assets to power AI data centers
• Summary: Williams Companies is exploring buying natural gas production assets in the U.S.—a rare move for a midstream operator—as it positions itself as a one-stop energy partner for hyperscalers and AI data center clients. The Tulsa-based firm has spent the past year building power generation capabilities, including its $2 billion Socrates project in Ohio supplying 440 MW to Meta Platforms. Williams spun off most upstream operations in 2012 but now sees vertical integration as key to competing for AI infrastructure contracts requiring massive, consistent electricity and simplified energy procurement.
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• U.S. federal government approves deepwater Texas oil export terminal
• Summary: The federal government greenlit Sentinel Midstream’s Texas GulfLink project, a deepwater oil terminal on the Texas coast with 1 million barrels per day export capacity. The approval marks a significant boost to U.S. energy infrastructure and is the second major offshore loading facility after the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said the project proves that slashing red tape creates jobs at home and stability abroad. The move comes as U.S. crude exports have surged from just over 100,000 bpd in 2013 to over 4.4 million bpd as of late 2025.
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• Oil prices locked in $60-$70 range as geopolitics battle oversupply
• Summary: WTI trades around $63.55 and Brent near $68.05 as Iran–U.S. tensions provide a floor while oversupply fears cap gains. Saudi Arabia cut its official selling price for Arab Light to Asian buyers for the fourth consecutive month to near five-year lows, signaling weak demand rather than shortage. Regional spreads remain rational, with Azeri Light around $70.70 and the OPEC basket at $66.65, confirming a balanced but not overheated market. Analysts view the current band as range-bound, recommending buying dips into $60–$61 WTI with targets in the mid-$60s to low-$70s.
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Contact Valor Today

Contact us today if you need help outsourcing your oil and gas operations.

The information provided by Valor in this blog is for general informational purposes only, not to provide specific recommendations or legal or tax-related advice. The blog/website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.