ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) recently warned Kazakhstan that the Central Asian nation's largest oil field, Tengiz, will hit its production peak next year. Worse yet, output from the field will begin to decline. Exxon estimates it will fall nearly 40% by 2035 to around 500,000 barrels per day (bpd). That also has implications for Chevron, as it helped develop the field through its 50% interest in the Tengizchevroil (TCO) partnership.
However, while Tengiz is about to plateau and decline, that's not a crisis for ExxonMobil. Here's why.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Even though output at Tengiz is about to peak and start declining, Exxon has another opportunity in Kazakhstan: Kashagan. The giant offshore field in the Caspian Sea is operated by a partnership that includes Exxon, Shell, TotalEnergies, and others. Exxon sees the potential for an $80 billion joint investment to develop the western part of the field. This expansion could produce up to 600,000 bpd.
However, the field is part of a long-running dispute between Kazakhstan and the operating consortium. Kazakhstan levied a $5 billion environmental fine that the field's operator hasn't paid. Additionally, the government says the partners owe it $150 billion for lost revenue due to development delays, a claim currently before international arbitration. Exxon and its partners won't invest the capital needed to boost production in this field until they resolve the dispute with the government.
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However, while Tengiz is about to plateau and decline, that's not a crisis for ExxonMobil. Here's why.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Even though output at Tengiz is about to peak and start declining, Exxon has another opportunity in Kazakhstan: Kashagan. The giant offshore field in the Caspian Sea is operated by a partnership that includes Exxon, Shell, TotalEnergies, and others. Exxon sees the potential for an $80 billion joint investment to develop the western part of the field. This expansion could produce up to 600,000 bpd.
However, the field is part of a long-running dispute between Kazakhstan and the operating consortium. Kazakhstan levied a $5 billion environmental fine that the field's operator hasn't paid. Additionally, the government says the partners owe it $150 billion for lost revenue due to development delays, a claim currently before international arbitration. Exxon and its partners won't invest the capital needed to boost production in this field until they resolve the dispute with the government.
#billion
2 days ago
