API: U.S. Strengthens Position As World’s Top Oil Producer, Benefiting Consumers

WASHINGTON, November 14, 2019 – The U.S. further solidified its position as the world’s top producer of crude oil in October with domestic production reaching a new all-time high of 12.6 million barrels per day (mb/d), according to data released today from the American Petroleum Institute’s Monthly Statistical Report (MSR) covering October 2019. The record production was met with solid U.S petroleum demand and exports plus lower oil prices in October.

“Across the board, the October results were a great reflection of how market forces have benefited consumers,” API Chief Economist Dean Foreman said. “Decreased oil prices in October – despite record demand for the month and solid exports – underscored the influence of U.S. oil production on global markets and helped insulate consumers from external shocks. This also demonstrates the tremendous value of infrastructure, as the breakout oil production was largely enabled by increased pipeline egress from the Permian Basin, improving deliverability to key Gulf Coast refining and export markets.”

Highlights from the October 2019 MSR include:

• A new record for U.S. crude oil production of 12.6 mb/d – No. 1 in the world; 
• Total U.S. petroleum demand of 21.2 mb/d was highest on record for the month of October; 
• U.S. petroleum exports remained steady above 8.0 mb/d despite global challenges; yet, 
• Lower domestic oil prices, below $54.00 per barrel in October.

For more information on the quarterly and monthly reports, please visit our website and check out our blog.

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 members produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In our first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.