前沿观察 | 油价疲软冲击美国石油业：就业岗位遭三年来最大幅度削减！

Core Viewpoint - The decline in oil prices has significantly impacted the U.S. oil industry, leading to the largest job cuts in three years, with a focus on cost reduction and efficiency improvements through mergers and reduced drilling activities [1][4]. Employment Impact - In August, the employment rate in the oil and gas sector fell by 1.7%, with a loss of 6,000 jobs in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, marking a return to the low employment levels seen in 2022 [5][6]. - The Texas oil and gas upstream sector saw a decrease of 1,400 jobs in July compared to June, with a total of 4,300 jobs added in the year to date [10]. Price Trends and Industry Response - Oil prices have dropped approximately 12% this year, with analysts predicting a potential oversupply by the fourth quarter, which could lead to further price declines [6]. - U.S. oil producers are reducing capital expenditure budgets and focusing on enhancing efficiency from existing drilling operations to maintain production levels [6][9]. Corporate Actions - Chevron's acquisition of Hess for $53 billion will result in a 20% workforce reduction, including 800 jobs in the Permian Basin [6]. - ConocoPhillips plans to cut up to 25% of jobs following its acquisition of Marathon Oil, aiming to streamline operations and reduce costs [7]. Industry Outlook - Despite the job losses, industry associations maintain an optimistic outlook for the future of the oil sector, citing ongoing projects and infrastructure developments that could stabilize the job market [8][10]. - The Energy Workforce & Technology Council reported a decrease in total employment in the energy services sector to 628,062, down by 6,021 jobs from July [11].