Environment and Energy
SMU Energy Market Analysis through August
Written by Brett Linton
August 12, 2021
The Energy Information Administration’s August Short-Term Energy Outlook remains subject to heightened levels of uncertainty related to the ongoing economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. That big caveat aside, the increase in economic activity continues to contribute to rising energy use. EIA anticipates a mostly balanced global oil market for the remainder of 2021. Crude oil prices are forecast to remain steady through the remainder of the year, while natural gas prices are expected to slightly decline. The EIA expects oil production to increase in the coming months, eventually outpacing consumption, resulting in steady spot prices averaging $72 per barrel from August through November 2021 and averaging $66 in 2022. EIA forecasts natural gas prices to average $3.42 per MMBtu in 2021, declining to a $3.08 average in 2022.
Spot Prices
The spot market price for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has declined from July’s peak, now at $69.50 per barrel as of Aug. 11. The July 2, 2021, weekly average of $74.07 was is the highest weekly oil spot price average since October 2018, a 33-month high. Natural gas prices at the Henry Hub in Oklahoma continue to rise, now at $4.15 per MMBTU (million British Thermal Units) as of Aug. 11. Excluding the February 2021 surge (when winter storms impacted much of the nation and the scarcity of natural gas and rising demand drove spot prices through the roof), this is the highest weekly oil spot price average since Dec. 14, 2018, when it was $4.38 per MMBTU. Figure 1 shows the weekly average spot prices for each product.
Rig Counts
The number of active U.S. oil and gas drill rigs continues to recover since the mid-2020 low. The count was 500 active drill rigs as of the end of last week. That total is comprised of 397 oil rigs and 102 gas rigs, according to the latest data from Baker Hughes (Figure 2). While up over recent months, active drill rigs are still down 37% from 793 rigs in March 2020, just prior to the coronavirus shutdowns. The table below compares the current U.S., Canadian and international rig counts to historical levels.
U.S. oil and gas production are heavily concentrated in Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota and New Mexico, which have seen declines of 35-65% since March of last year. The most active state, Texas, now has 231 active rigs in operation, the highest level seen since April 17, 2020. Texas rigs had plummeted from 407 in March 2020 to 97 rigs in August 2020 (Figure 3).
Stock Levels
U.S. total crude oil stocks in 2020 surged from mid-March through July, but they have steadily declined since then. The latest level is down yet again compared to the previous Energy Update; 1.060 billion barrels as of Aug. 11, down from 1.168 billion barrels at the same time last year (Figure 4).
Trends in energy prices and rig counts are a predictor of demand for oil country tubular goods (OCTG), line pipe and other steel products.
By Brett Linton, Brett@SteelMarketUpdate.com
Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Environment and Energy
GSCC introduces label for new emissions target
The Global Steel Climate Council (GSCC) has taken a step forward in standardizing the decarbonization process with the publishing of its labeling for a certified science-based emissions target.
DOE set to measure GHG intensity of industrial products, including steel
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is launching a pilot project to measure the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of certain energy-intensive industrial products, including steel.
Final thoughts
Whether it’s the twists and turns of the presidential election, the U.S. Steel deal, or just what’s happening with the movement of steel pricing, there has been no shortage of stories for us to cover.
Price on trade: Evaluating potential approaches to emissions policy and border measures
The only way to achieve net zero goals worldwide is to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the global steel industry. And emissions standards can play a key role in encouraging (or discouraging) steel decarbonization. In that spirit, earlier this year, the Biden administration established a climate and trade task force, aimed at a promoting “a global trading system that slashes pollution, creates a fair and level playing field, protects against carbon dumping, {and} supports good manufacturing jobs and economic opportunity.” These are ambitious and laudable goals. Across sectors, the United States has a significant carbon advantage over many of its economic competitors. This is certainly true in the steel industry, where American manufacturers are among the lowest emitting in the world. In other words, when it comes to steel, climate-focused trade policy can go hand-in-hand with US competitiveness.
CRU Insight: Decarbonization will reshape global steel trade flow
This CRU Insight explores how decarbonization will play a significant role in redefining steel trade patterns by shifting regional competitiveness and increasing steel demand needs.