In 2024, U.S. retail gasoline prices averaged about 20 cents less than in 2023
The U.S. retail price for regular grade gasoline averaged $3.30 per gallon (gal) in 2024, $0.21/gal less than in 2023. Lower crude oil prices and narrower refinery margins in 2024 than in 2023 both contributed to the decrease in U.S. retail gasoline prices, according to data from our Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update. From the first week of 2024 through the last week, national average weekly gasoline prices decreased $0.08/gal.
Improved efficiency is enabling record U.S. crude oil production from fewer rigs
Crude oil production in the U.S. Lower 48 (L48) states, which excludes Alaska and offshore production, reached a record 11.3 million barrels per day (b/d) in November 2024, according to our estimate in the latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) published on December 10. Crude oil production in the L48 states increased 3% year over year despite fewer active rigs in most major producing regions, demonstrating gains in operational efficiency.
Volcano Watch — The U.S. Geological Survey’s review process: checking and verifying our information
Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. Today's article is by Natalia Deligne, a geologist at HVO. Examples of information that the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory provides, including data of current activity, scientific publications, maps, and summaries (such as fact-sheets), and eruption response information. All have been part of the USGS review process. We start with HVO’s volcano and earthquake monitoring network, scientific research, and other techniques, such as field work, lab work, and other analyses. These form the basis of science-based information we provide through briefings
U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Wells by Production Rate
(Thu, 19 Dec 2024) Our Well Distribution Report presents historical, annual state-level data on well distribution by size and technology and analyzes emerging trends for 2023. Crude oil and natural gas wells drilled horizontally through hydrocarbon-bearing formations are among the most productive wells in the United States. The total number of horizontally drilled wells has increased 88% since 2014. In 2023, 77% of the more than 918,000 U.S. wells produced 15 barrels of oil equivalent per day or less. These wells are mostly older and drilled vertically.
Above-average hurricane activity disrupted U.S. energy infrastructure in 2024
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which ran from June 1 through November 30, exhibited above-average activity with more named storms and hurricanes than usual, including several that disrupted U.S. energy infrastructure, primarily on the Gulf Coast and in the Southeast. Energy impacts from hurricanes this season were most notable in electricity markets, although Hurricanes Francine, Helene, and Rafael forced some oil and natural gas production from fields in the Gulf of Mexico to be shut in.
Improving well productivity helps U.S. oil companies increase production at a lower cost
Second-quarter 2024 financial results for 34 publicly traded U.S. oil exploration and production (E&P) companies suggest increasing well productivity is helping these companies reduce production costs on a per barrel basis and freeing up cash for other uses such as dividends and share repurchases.
Five states drove record U.S. natural gas production in 2023
Five states produced more than 70% of the record 113.1 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of U.S. marketed natural gas production in 2023. Texas accounted for 28% of U.S. marketed natural gas production in 2023, according to our Natural Gas Monthly, followed by Pennsylvania (18%), Louisiana (10%), West Virginia (8%), and New Mexico (8%). Even though production slowed in 2024, output from these five states continued to make up most—73%—of marketed U.S. natural gas this year.
U.S. share of electric and hybrid vehicle sales reached a record in the third quarter
The share of electric and hybrid vehicle sales in the United States increased again in the third quarter of 2024 (3Q24), reaching a record. Combined sales of hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) increased from 19.1% of total new light-duty vehicle (LDV) sales in the United States in 2Q24 to 21.1% in 3Q24, according to estimates from Wards Intelligence.
Intensified Coastal Hazards from Climate Change on U.S. Southeast Coast
While previous research has largely focused on flooding, the new study highlights additional threats such as groundwater hazards, land subsidence, and beach erosion. These hazards, often underappreciated in climate discussions, will be amplified by sea levels projected to rise by one meter over the next century. The study estimates that up to 70% of coastal residents and $1 trillion in property could face challenges from shallow and emerging groundwater. This risk is 15 times greater than the exposure to daily tidal flooding alone. Figure a, Coastal flooding (no storm), shallow groundwater exposure and erosion (unimpeded model case) for one meter