More Drops in Gas, Oil Production in Utica, Marcellus

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Oil and gas production in the Utica and Marcellus shale formations is expected to decrease again next month, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports.

The agency said in its monthly drilling productivity report that natural gas production across the Appalachian basin is projected to drop by 162 million cubic feet per day in October compared to September.

Much of the Utica shale is drilled in eastern Ohio, while the Marcellus shale is found mostly in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Collectively, the EIA refers to both plays as the Appalachian Basin.

The EIA reported that the region should produce 32.835 billion cubic feet of gas per day in October, down from 32.997 billion cubic feet this month.

Six of the seven major shale plays across the country are projecting lower output next month compared to September, according to the EIA. A single shale play, the Permian Basin in Texas, was the sole region that is projected to post an increase in October.

Oil production is also expected to drop in Appalachia. The Utica and Marcellus are projected to yield 134,000 barrels of oil per day, down by 1,000 barrels from September, the agency reported.

The EIA reports five of the seven shale regions expect decreases in oil production next month.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.