Record Oil Production Sets New Benchmark
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported record-breaking oil output for July, reaching 13.6 million barrels per day.
That figure tops the previous month’s total of 13.5 million barrels per day and marks a major milestone for the country’s energy sector.
The EIA’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook also predicted sustained growth through 2025 and 2026. Analysts now expect U.S. crude production to average 13.5 million barrels per day, slightly above earlier projections.
Forecasts Point to More Supply and Lower Prices
In its outlook, the EIA projected higher production from both onshore and offshore drilling.
Much of the growth will come from the Gulf of Mexico, where new projects have outperformed expectations.
As a result, global oil inventories will likely expand in the coming year, putting downward pressure on crude prices.
The agency estimates Brent crude could fall to $62 per barrel by the fourth quarter of 2025, and potentially down to $52 per barrel by 2026.
What It Means for the U.S. Energy Market
The increase in production demonstrates the resilience of the American energy industry, even as global demand shows signs of softening.
Experts believe the combination of steady output and declining prices could help ease inflation pressures, though it might challenge smaller producers with higher costs.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s shale operations continue to contribute significantly to national totals. Industry leaders expect stable output through the first half of 2026, driven by improved drilling efficiency and strong pipeline capacity.
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