Oil field

Permian Basin

West Texas / New Mexico, USA. World's most productive oil basin, ~6+ million bpd of crude plus large associated gas output.

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Overview

West Texas / New Mexico, USA. World's most productive oil basin, ~6+ million bpd of crude plus large associated gas output. Driven by shale (horizontal drilling and fracking).

Geopolitical context

The Permian shale boom made the US the world's largest oil producer and shifted global market power away from OPEC. US crude exports, legal again since 2015, now reach Europe and Asia. Shale's quick response to prices makes it a de facto swing supplier, though consolidation and investor discipline have slowed its response to price spikes. Permian associated gas also feeds Gulf Coast LNG export terminals.

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