Saudi Arabia has the highest number of active rigs in its history
The global oil market has changed drastically since the last meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in November 2014. However, the intentions of each of the 12 member countries have not, and likely will not change as the cartel’s June meeting approaches.
The cartel is scheduled to convene for the first time in more than seven months on June 5 in Vienna. The decision from the last meeting to maintain output sent oil prices and North America rig counts into a tailspin that some analysts argue is still in search of a bottom.
The stark differences between drilling activity of OPEC member producers and North America’s oil and gas producers are apparent in rig counts. Since the beginning of December 2014, the United States has dropped 54% of its fleet, amounting to 1,035 rigs. A total of 885 remain. (Baker Hughes, the provider of the rig statistics, suspended updates regarding the well counts in April as a cost-saving measure.)
Canada’s drop has been much worse: the 72 active rigs account for only 17% of the 422 rigs in service at the beginning of December.
In the meantime, OPEC has remained consistent with its rig counts with some countries pouring it on.
Saudi Arabia has the most active rigs in its history, and Iraq is attempting to gain a greater share of the prize as the cartel’s second largest producer. Opening the oil spigots was not well-received by all members of the group; Algeria, Iran and Venezuela have all publicly called on Saudi Arabia to reduce output to no avail. The Saudis have been steadfast in their approach to holding market share, and some analysts believe $100 oil will never be seen again.
Aside from Venezuela and Nigeria, OPEC rig counts are virtually unchanged compared to the November 2014 fleet. Algeria, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have increased their fleet by a total of 10% in that time frame, while OPEC as a whole has wavered in the 430 to 460 range.
Important disclosures: The information provided herein is believed to be reliable; however, EnerCom, Inc. makes no representation or warranty as to its completeness or accuracy. EnerCom’s conclusions are based upon information gathered from sources deemed to be reliable. This note is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or financial instrument of any company mentioned in this note. This note was prepared for general circulation and does not provide investment recommendations specific to individual investors. All readers of the note must make their own investment decisions based upon their specific investment objectives and financial situation utilizing their own financial advisors as they deem necessary. Investors should consider a company’s entire financial and operational structure in making any investment decisions. Past performance of any company discussed in this note should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future results. EnerCom is a multi-disciplined management consulting services firm that regularly intends to seek business, or currently may be undertaking business, with companies covered on Oil & Gas 360®, and thereby seeks to receive compensation from these companies for its services. In addition, EnerCom, or its principals or employees, may have an economic interest in any of these companies. As a result, readers of EnerCom’s Oil & Gas 360® should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this note. The company or companies covered in this note did not review the note prior to publication. EnerCom, or its principals or employees, may have an economic interest in any of the companies covered in this report or on Oil & Gas 360®. As a result, readers of EnerCom’s reports or Oil & Gas 360® should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report.