Tracking Crude Oil’s Year-End Price Increases
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Crude oil prices appear to be on the upswing, with the front-month futures price for Brent crude oil settling at $48.71/bbl on Dec. 3, an increase of $9.74/bbl from Nov. 2. The front-month futures price for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil for delivery at Cushing, Okla., rose by $8.83/bbl during the same period, settling at $45.64/bbl.
Rig Counts on the Rise
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
According to the most recent Baker Hughes Rig Count released Dec. 11, the U.S. Rig Count added 15 to the previous week’s total to hit 338 rigs. Oil rigs were up by 12 to 258, gas rigs rose by four to 79, and miscellaneous rigs were off by one to one.

The U.S. rig count was down 461 rigs from last year's count of 799, with oil rigs off by 409, gas rigs down 50, and miscellaneous rigs down two.
The U.S. offshore rig count was unchanged at 13, but down by 10 year-over-year.
S&P Global Platts Analytics’ 2021 Energy Outlook
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Analysts at S&P Global Platts (New York), an independent provider of information, analysis, and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets, released its 2021 energy outlook Dec. 14. The outlook presumes a recovery in global gross domestic product (GDP), highlighted by an acceleration of growth in the second half of 2021.
Updated 2020 Energy Efficiency Indicators Database
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Energy efficiency and its multiple benefits are key for clean energy transitions, supporting countries in their efforts to meet climate goals, and increase access to energy services, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Governments are stepping up energy efficiency policy efforts, setting more ambitious targets and measures such as minimum energy performance standards.
API Welcomes Conservation Funding Protection Act
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
The American Petroleum Institute (API) on Dec. 2 embraced the introduction of the Conservation Funding Protection Act. The legislation, introduced by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), would provide regulatory certainty and protect the permitting process for leases in the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico, ensuring the continued supply of billions of dollars in offshore oil and natural gas revenues to support national conservation programs that benefit all 50 states.
API Supports EPA’s Final Particulate Matter Standards
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
The American Petroleum Institute (API) released the following statement Dec. 7 in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final proposal to maintain existing Particulate Matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA is required to review the standards every five years.

The decision follows EPA’s review of the scientific evidence underlying the criterion and is consistent with the recommendation of the agency’s independent Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, which voted 5-1 to retain the current standards.
U.S. Rig Count Rises
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
According to the latest Baker Hughes Rig Count, released Dec. 4, the U.S. Rig Count was up three from the previous week to 323. Oil rigs were higher by five at 246, gas rigs were down two to 75, and miscellaneous rigs were unchanged at two.

The U.S. rig count was down 476 rigs from last year's count of 799, with oil rigs off by 417, gas rigs down 58, and miscellaneous rigs, again, down one.
The U.S. offshore rig count was one higher at 13, but down nine year-over-year.
Global Shale Industry On Recovery Path
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Global shale production has taken a drastic hit in 2020, where shale oil is expected to drop by 11.7% year-on-year and shale gas production may see a 4.5% dip, according to projections by GlobalData, a data and analytics company. Market demand for oil and gas plummeted globally from March 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty in global energy demand will continue to weigh down oil prices and delay shale industry recovery, unless an effective vaccine is made available.
Oil Field Services Sector (OFS) Adds Jobs For Third Consecutive Month
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Employment in America’s oilfield services and equipment (OFS) sector rose slightly for a third month, adding an estimated 2665 jobs in November, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and analysis by the Petroleum Equipment & Services Association (PESA).
Enbridge Files To Block Michigan's Actions Against Line 5
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
On Nov. 24, Enbridge Inc. filed a federal complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan seeking an injunction to stop the State of Michigan from taking any steps to prevent the operation of Line 5. Enbridge also moved the complaint filed by the State against Line 5 on Nov. 13 in Michigan state court to the Federal Court.
OPEC+ Output Increase Would Create Glut, Rystad Energy Reports
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
As the world is aching to put an end to a devastating 2020, oil producers are now assessing the lasting effect of the pandemic into 2021—and in particular, the consequences of oil demand destruction to global balances, Rystad Energy reported Nov. 30. The existing OPEC+ group deal saved the market from collapsing earlier this year, but then COVID-19 came back with a second-wave vengeance.
ONEOK Included In Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
ONEOK Inc. announced Nov. 23 its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) and Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America). Additionally, the midstream service provider and owner of one of the nation’s premier natural gas liquids (NGL) systems was named the DJSI Industry Leader for Oil and Gas Storage and Transportation.
Missouri Home Will Showcase “Propane Lifestyle”
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
The construction of a new propane-powered home is underway on Missouri’s beautiful Redfield Golf Course in Eugene, Mo. Inspired by his passion for golf, owner Jay Coakley is teed up to build an active Missourian’s dream home, powered by the clean, American energy of propane. In partnership with the Missouri Propane Education & Research Council’s (MOPERC) Propane HomePro program, the home will showcase the many benefits of living the propane lifestyle.
Rig Count Up in U.S., Canada
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
According to the latest Baker Hughes Rig Count, released Nov. 25, the U.S. Rig Count was up 10 from the previous week to 320. Oil rigs were up 10 to 241, gas rigs were up one to 77, and miscellaneous rigs were down one to two.

The U.S. rig count was down 482 rigs from last year's count of 802, with oil rigs down 427, gas rigs down 54, and miscellaneous rigs down one.
The U.S. offshore rig count was unchanged at 12, but down 10 year-over-year.
PERC Calls For Comment On Funding Request
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is calling for comment on a funding request. By rule, PERC must solicit comments before approving any proposed project costing $1.5 million or more.

Members of the propane industry and the public are invited to comment on this funding request: “Docket 22771-Commercialization of a High-Efficiency, High-Performance, Low NOx Medium Duty Propane Engine for $12 million.”
S&P Global and IHS Markit to Merge
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
S&P Global and IHS Markit announced Nov. 30 they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction that values IHS Markit at an enterprise value of $44 billion, including $4.8 billion of net debt. The transaction brings together two world-class organizations, a unique portfolio of highly complementary assets in attractive markets, and cutting-edge innovation and technology capability to accelerate growth and enhance value creation.
RegO Expands Distribution Network in Northeastern U.S.
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
RegO (Elon, N.C.), a provider of advanced valves and controls for liquid and gas in LPG, LNG, cryogenic, and industrial gas industries, has expanded its network of wholesale distributors in the Northeastern United States. RegO’s complete product portfolio of LPG regulators, valves, and tank fittings is now available from distributors Tarantin Industries, R.E. Michel Co., and The Granite Group, with a combined total of more than 100 stocking locations throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
F. M. Popovich & Sons, Inc. in Massachusetts Joins Paraco Gas
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Paraco Gas (Rye, N.Y.) completed the acquisition of F.M. Popovich & Sons Inc. (Ashland, Maine) on. Oct. 14, and marked the retirement of former owners, Fred and Hildegard Popovich. The Popovich family business, founded by Fred and Wilma Popovich in 1946, grew to serve approximately 850 propane customers. Paraco is also a family- owned and -operated business, and has been servicing Worcester County, Mass., since 2007.
F.W. Webb Becomes New Cavagna Distributor in North America
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
The Cavagna Group (Somerset, N.J.) has added F.W. Webb Co. (Bedford, Mass.) as its newest distributor in North America. F.W. Webb Co. is a family-owned and -operated distributor covering 16 disciplines including propane, natural gas, heating, plumbing, HVAC, and PVF (pipe, valves, and fittings). It has more than 85 locations throughout nine states in the Northeast.
PERC Adds New Autogas Offering
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Most members of the propane industry are aware of the benefits that propane autogas delivers, such as cost savings, operational advantages, and lower emissions. These benefits have been presented recently through the Propane Education & Research Council's (PERC) Let’s Talk webinar series, Autogas Refuel newsletter, and resources on propane.com.