US oil and gas producers struggle to boost production due to supply chain snags, worker shortages
Friday, November 19, 2021
U.S. oil and gas producers are struggling with shortages of workers, vehicles and equipment amid rising global demand and the highest crude prices they’ve seen in seven years, according to Reuters.
The shortages may result in a longer period of time before global output can match demand, which is still recovering from the coronavirus pandemic.
Drillers and service firms are facing shortages and delays on many fronts including trucks, electronics, pumps and skilled workers. Workarounds have kept a major production crunch at bay, but shortages could limit production gains early next year.
Learn more: Reuters > As energy prices soar, supply chain snags threaten US oil output gains
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.