5 key signposts that will set the cost of the marginal barrel of oil in the long term

We expect prices to increase towards $70/bbl after 2020 as the full effect of MARPOL regulations is reflected on global demand while non-OPEC supply is short due to lack of investment in the last 3 years. OPEC and US shale oil producers will capture this opportunity by increasing production. US shale oil will plateau by 2027-28, opening up investment opportunities for other resource types such as deepwater and international shale oil.

1. Global oil demand

Long-term oil demand growth is driven mainly by chemicals, but at a much slower pace of 0.7%p.a., as energy efficiency and EV substitution cause road transportation consumption to peak. Meanwhile, MARPOL legislation will bring further 1MMb/d of demand p.a.

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5 key signposts that will set the cost of the marginal barrel of oil in the long term

2. Non-OPEC declines

In the long term, the industry will need to replace 4-5MMb/d production every year due to declining production in mature basins.

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5 key signposts that will set the cost of the marginal barrel of oil in the long term

3. North American shale oil

US shale oil will grow above 10MMb/d, but resource constraints in legacy plays will restrain long-term output.

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5 key signposts that will set the cost of the marginal barrel of oil in the long term

4. OPEC production 

OPEC is set to maintain its market share at around 43% in the long run, as the organization will manage supply to balance the market when needed.

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5 key signposts that will set the cost of the marginal barrel of oil in the long term

5. New project costs 

Recent improvements in project cost savings are expected to be partially maintained and translate to 15-20% reductions in project breakeven costs by 2030.

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5 key signposts that will set the cost of the marginal barrel of oil in the long term

Anna Nikitina is a senior analyst with McKinsey Energy Insights based out of McKinsey’s Warsaw office.

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