Exxon and Chevron hike oil production despite global glut and see more ‘frontier exploration’ as U.S. shale boom slows

Core Insights - Major oil companies like Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and Shell are increasing crude oil production despite concerns about a global oil glut and rising exports from OPEC nations [1][2] - The production increases may lead to a weaker oil price environment, with U.S. benchmark prices hovering around $60 per barrel, which is a critical threshold for profitability [2] - Exxon Mobil and Chevron are focusing on growth in the Permian Basin, with Exxon achieving a record production of 1.7 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in Q3 [3][4] Company-Specific Insights - Exxon Mobil's global production rose from 4.63 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in Q2 to 4.77 million in Q3, with a target of 5.4 million barrels by 2030, primarily driven by the Permian and offshore Guyana [4] - Chevron's production in the Permian reached 1.06 million barrels daily, despite efforts to cut capital expenditure and maintain plateaued production [5] - Chevron's CEO highlighted efficiency gains, stating that strong performance continues with fewer drilling rigs and completions, expecting good momentum into 2026 [6] Industry Outlook - Shell's CEO noted potential oversupply in 2026, indicating headwinds in supply-demand fundamentals in the short to medium term, but maintains a long-term positive outlook on crude prices [7]