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    Environment and Energy

    SMU Energy Analysis: Rig Count Declines

    Written by Peter Wright


    Oil production in the U.S. was at an all-time high in October last year and declined only slightly in the latest data for November. The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil has recovered somewhat from its recent low of $44.48 on Dec. 27.

    The spot price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) FOB Cushing, Okla., had a recent peak on Oct. 3 of $76.40/barrel. The price declined to $44.48 on Dec. 27 and had recovered to $52.43 on Feb. 11. The total number of operating rigs exploring for oil has declined by 20 since Jan. 4. The prices of oil and natural gas drive the consumption of energy-related steel products including oil country tubular goods, pipe fittings and well head equipment, among others. Welded tubular goods (not including OCTG) consumed about 5.5 million tons of hot rolled sheet in 2018.

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