EIA: US to be largest producer of petroleum and natural gas hydrocarbons in 2013

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has estimated that the US will be the world’s top producer of petroleum and natural gas in 2013. The country is expected to surpass both Russia and Saudi Arabia in terms of production.

US petroleum production has increased 7 quadrillion Btu since 2008. Texas and North Dakota have been major contributors to growth. Meanwhile, natural gas production has risen 3 quadrillion Btu over the same period. Much of this growth has been generated in eastern areas of the US.

In contrast, Russia and Saudi Arabia increased their combined hydrocarbon output by approximately 1 quadrillion Btu over the past five years.

The EIA’s ‘Today in Energy’ report in the subject emphasises that comparisons of petroleum and natural gas production in different countries are not easy. Differences in energy content of crude oil, condensates, and natural gas produced throughout these countries make accurate conversion difficult. Questions also arise in regards to the inclusion of biofuels and refinery gain in calculations.

Total petroleum and natural gas hydrocarbon production estimates for the US and Russia for 2011 and 2012 were roughly equivalent, within 1 quadrillion Btu of one another. However, in 2013, production widens out. The US is expected to outproduce Russia by 5 quadrillion Btu.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/07102013/us_largest_producer_in_2013_718/