US oil production up 134% in last 11 years

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - US oil production increased by 134% between 2009 and 2019, taking the top spot as the world's largest oil producer during this period, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency on Wednesday.

Oil production in the US, which includes crude oil, shale oil, oil sands, condensates, and natural gas liquids, rose to an annual average of 17.04 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2019, from approximately 7.27 million bpd in 2009, the data from BP’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2020 report showed.

The significant increase in output was largely due to the adoption and widespread use of techniques such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling in the oil and gas industries in the US, which in 2008 kick-started an era known as the shale revolution.

With rich shale plays across continental US, Alaska and the US Gulf of Mexico region, the country managed to surpass Saudi Arabia and Russia to become both the world's largest oil and crude producer.

- Faster increase than competitors

Over the last 11 years, US production of oil and oil products showed a higher rate of increase at 135% than its biggest competitors in total oil output.

From 2009 through 2019, Saudi Arabia's total oil production rose from 9.71 million bpd to 11.83 million bpd, marking a 21.8% increase over 11 years.

During the same period, Russia's total oil output increased from 10.15 million bpd in 2009 to 11.54 million bpd in 2019, posting a 13.7% rise.

The year 2014 saw the US overtake Russia and Saudi Arabia to become the world's largest producer in oil and oil products combined. Since then, the US reigned supreme as the world's largest oil producer for six consecutive years.

In November 2018, the US also surpassed both countries to take the top spot as the world's largest crude producer.

- Market share doubled in 11 years

Global oil production rose from an annual average of 81.58 million bpd in 2009 to an average of 95.19 million bpd in 2019, according to BP’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2020 report.

Between those years, the US share of world oil production jumped from 8.91% to 17.9% -- almost doubling in 11 years.

During the same period, Saudi Arabia's share of global oil output rose from 11.9% to 12.4%, but Russia's share fell from 12.4% to 12.1%.