February 23, 2026 – Market Insight
Stable but Vulnerable. Oil demand is still growing, but the pace is moderate. The U.S. remains the largest producer as OPEC continues to balance the market with production discipline. Currently the growth is coming from: Guyana, Brazil, and Canada.
Regional Highlights
Production led by the Permian Basin; Massive LNG export growth from Gulf Coast; Ongoing shale consolidation
Market Implications
| Theme | Market Direction |
| Oil prices | Range-bound with volatility |
| Gas/LNG | Structural growth |
| CapEx | Disciplined |
| M&A | Ongoing consolidation |
| Energy transition | Gradual but influential |
| Investor preference | Cash returns over expansion |
Looking Ahead
Timeframe Key Trend
2026–2028 Prices range-bound, gas outperforms oil; inventories rising
2028–2035 LNG demand accelerates; oil demand grows slowly or plateaus
2035–2050 Energy transition accelerates; peak fossil demand scenarios arise