Job Cuts Rock Global Oil and Gas Sector

Industry Overview - The global oil and gas industry is facing a prolonged downturn, leading to job losses and investment cuts across the sector [1] - Major companies like ConocoPhillips, Chevron, and BP have announced significant layoffs and are shelving or selling projects to conserve cash [1][3] Price Dynamics - Crude prices, which surged after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have since fallen by 50%, putting additional pressure on the sector [2] - Opec+ has increased output to regain market share, further straining prices [2] - Analysts predict Brent crude could drop below $60 per barrel by early 2026, which would challenge the financial viability of western majors [2] Employment Impact - The U.S. shale drilling sector requires approximately $65 per barrel to remain profitable, making current price levels unsustainable [3] - ConocoPhillips may cut up to 3,250 jobs by Christmas, while Chevron has been reducing its workforce by 8,000 since February, and BP has already laid off 4,700 employees [3] Capital Expenditure Trends - Global capital spending in the oil and gas sector is expected to decline by 4.3% this year to $341.9 billion, marking the first decrease since 2020 [4] - U.S. oil output is projected to contract for the first time since 2021 [4] Strategic Responses - Some companies are turning to outsourcing and digital tools, such as AI, to navigate the downturn [5] - Industry veterans express concerns that reduced investment may have long-term negative consequences for domestic oil production [5]