Oil prices, which reached a one-year high in New York last week, have plummeted nearly 9% in a matter of days.
This drop is driven by market concerns about high interest rates and inventory increases in the U.S., the world’s key storage and distribution hub for oil.
Let’s dive into who can weather low oil prices and who faces hardships.
Saudi Arabia thrives even when oil hits a low of $20 per barrel, thanks to minimal production costs and ample reserves.
Similarly, due to low extraction expenses, Kuwait handles prices between $20-$30 well.
The UAE and Russia operate comfortably around $40 per barrel, the former due to economic diversification and the latter due to a flexible tax system.
Also, Qatar navigates low oil prices well around the same figure, aided by its natural gas reserves.
Companies with High Resilience
Saudi Aramco leads the pack, functioning well even at a meager $10 per barrel. ExxonMobil holds steady at $35, benefiting from diversified operations.
Shell and Chevron can operate at $30-$40, due to cost-cutting and diversified energy portfolios. Sinopec of China rounds off the list, standing strong at $40.
Countries Facing Challenges
Now, let’s shift gears. Venezuela grapples with prices below $100 due to its debts and inefficient production.
Nigeria leans heavily on oil for 90% of its foreign earnings and needs $80 to break even. Canada struggles at less than $60, mainly due to expensive oil sand methods.
Brazil needs above $55 due to high deepwater exploration costs. Lastly, U.S. shale operations require over $50 for profitability.
Companies Facing Challenges
BP finds it tough under $45, plagued by investments in high-cost regions. Occidental Petroleum, focused on shale, needs between $40 and $45.
Given its focus on African offshore reserves, Tullow Oil requires over $50. Hess Corporation struggles under $60 due to its high-cost offshore drilling.
ConocoPhillips needs above $50 due to its diverse shale and offshore drilling operations.
Petrobras: A Special Case
Brazil’s Petrobras requires prices above $55, mainly because of its focus on deepwater exploration.
As a significant player in Brazil’s economy, its vulnerabilities can have broader implications for the country.
Conclusion – The Resilient and Vulnerable in Oil Price Shifts
Countries and companies need varying oil prices for profitability.
Those with diversified economies and low production costs, like Saudi Arabia and Aramco, are in a better position than most.
Conversely, nations like Venezuela and companies like BP face significant struggles.