Spending in the global oil exploration and production industry is "poised to accelerate broadly" and drive an increase in output, Olivier Le Peuch, CEO of top oilfield firm Schlumberger, said at a conference on June 22.
"The need for reliable energy supply and reinvestment in our industry remain very compelling and will ultimately extend the growth cycle, both in terms of duration and magnitude," he said at the JP Morgan Energy Conference in New York.
Oil prices have climbed to their highest level in years following sanctions on Russia's oil industry in response to its invasion of Ukraine four months ago. The uptick in prices is hitting consumers, including in the U.S. where the average price of gasoline recently topped $5 per gallon for the first time ever.
Schlumberger is looking at the offshore oil sector as a major driver of growth, Le Peuch said. He pointed to an expected 50% increase in offshore investment over the next four years, compared with the period from 2016 to 2019.
Le Peuch also anticipates improved pricing in the oilfield services industry, a segment hard hit by the pandemic-driven price downturn, as the result of performance and capital discipline.
In Russia, which accounts for roughly 5% of Schlumberger's revenue, the company has continued to honor existing contracts while halting new business. Rival Halliburton said it would wind down its business in Russia.
Recommended Reading
Chevron’s Tengiz Oil Field Operations Start Up in Kazakhstan
2024-04-25 - The final phase of Chevron’s project will produce about 260,000 bbl/d.
Rhino Taps Halliburton for Namibia Well Work
2024-04-24 - Halliburton’s deepwater integrated multi-well construction contract for a block in the Orange Basin starts later this year.
Halliburton’s Low-key M&A Strategy Remains Unchanged
2024-04-23 - Halliburton CEO Jeff Miller says expected organic growth generates more shareholder value than following consolidation trends, such as chief rival SLB’s plans to buy ChampionX.
Deepwater Roundup 2024: Americas
2024-04-23 - The final part of Hart Energy E&P’s Deepwater Roundup focuses on projects coming online in the Americas from 2023 until the end of the decade.