Analysts Warn of Dead DUC Headwinds Ahead for US Shale

Shale producers must increase capex in 2022 to keep oil and gas production from falling as the inventory of drilled but uncompleted wells decrease, analysts say.

Velda
Addison
Hart Energy
US-shale-DUCs

The number of drilled but uncompleted wells continues to dive in the U.S. (Source: Evelyn Apinis/Shutterstock.com)

As industry watchers eye the U.S. oil and gas sector’s shrinking DUC count and natural declines, wondering what the future holds for drilling in shale plays, analysts say operators must spend more in 2022 to keep production from falling.

If oilfield inflation continues and hits well costs, they may have to shell out even more.

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Onshore

Velda Addison

Velda Addison is the senior editor of digital media for Hart Energy’s editorial team. She covers energy with a focus on renewables.

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