A Challenging and Volatile Year for U.S. Shale

The US shale exploration and production (E&P) and Lower 48 midstream sectors experienced a volatile and challenging 2025, likely a far cry from what operators envisioned this time last year as the second Trump administration’s ‘energy dominance’ agenda was taking shape. With WTI languishing below $60 for much of the year, oil E&Ps moderated activity, with the oil-directed rig count dropping from 415 in January to 386 by Thanksgiving. In contrast, Henry Hub gas prices remained supported throughout much of the year, with…