據管道&天然氣雜志網7月30日路透社報道，美國能源公司8周來首次削減了油氣鉆機數量，盡管鉆機數量連續12個月增加，因為該行業紛紛以股票回購回報投資者，而不是增加產量。

　　據能源服務公司貝克休斯(Baker Hughes Co.)周五公布的數據顯示，截至7月30日當周，美國油氣鉆機數量(作為未來產量的早期指標)減少了3臺，至488臺。

　　盡管本周鉆機數量有所下降，但與去年同期相比，鉆機總數增加了237臺，增幅達94%。根據貝克休斯可以追溯到1940年的數據顯示，這一數字也比2020年8月創紀錄低點的244臺翻了一番。

　　本周，美國石油鉆機減少2臺，至385臺，天然氣鉆機減少1臺，至103臺。

　　當月，鉆機總數增加18臺，自2017年7月以來首次連續12個月增加，石油鉆機數量增加13臺，連續11個月增加。

　　美國原油期貨交易價在每桶74美元左右，需求增長快于供應增長。本月早些時候，油價升至76.98美元，為2014年11月以來的最高交易價格。

　　今年油價已經上漲了50%以上，但與以往的繁榮周期不同，根據頁巖油生產商本周發布的財報顯示，他們仍堅持此前公布的支出和生產計劃，通過回購或派息的方式為投資者提供更大的回報。

　　美國最大的石油生產商埃克森美孚（ Exxon Mobil ）表示，預計其2021年資本支出將處于此前區間的低端，但其目標是在今年下半年加大對關鍵項目的支出，包括美國二疊紀最大的頁巖盆地。

　　雪佛龍(Chevron)表示，已將年度資本支出預估下調至低于去年的水平。這家美國第二大產油商表示，預計二疊紀的產量將與去年基本持平，但將在2021年下半年增加鉆機數量。

　　美國石油生產商赫斯(Hess)周三表示，美國石油產量可能需要四年多的時間才能達到疫情前水平。盡管需求上升，但其仍堅持支出計劃，將重點放在股東回報上。

　　郝芬 譯自 管道&天然氣雜志網

　　原文如下:

　　Gas Rig Count Falls for First Week in Eight -Baker Hughes

　　U.S. energy firms cut the number of oil and natural gas rigs operating for the first time in eight weeks, even though the rig count rose for 12 straight months, amid an industry stampede to reward investors with share buybacks instead of boosting production.

　　The U.S. oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, fell by three to 488 in the week to July 30, according to data on Friday from energy services firm Baker Hughes Co.

　　Despite this week's decline, the total rig count was up 237, or 94%, over this time last year. It has also doubled from a record low of 244 in August 2020, according to Baker Hughes data going back to 1940.

　　U.S. oil rigs fell two to 385 this week, while gas rigs fell one to 103.

　　For the month, the total count rose 18, putting it up for a 12th month in a row for the first time since July 2017, while the oil rig count increased by 13, gaining for 11 consecutive months.

　　U.S. crude futures were trading around $74 a barrel with demand growing faster than supply. Earlier this month, oil prices rose to $76.98, their highest intraday trade since November 2014.

　　Prices have jumped over 50% this year but in a departure from previous boom cycles, shale producers releasing results this week have hunkered down to their previously stated plans for spending and production to provide greater investor returns by way of buybacks or dividends.

　　Top U.S. oil producer Exxon Mobil said its 2021 capital spending is expected to be at the lower end of its prior range but aims for more spending on key projects, including in the biggest U.S. shale basin in the Permian, in the second half of this year.

　　Chevron Corp said it cut its annual capital spending forecast to below last year's. The second-largest U.S. producer said it expects output from the Permian to be almost same as last year's, but will add drilling rigs in the second half of 2021.

　　U.S. oil output could take more than four years to reach pre-pandemic levels, oil producer Hess Corp said on Wednesday, sticking to its spending plan despite rising demand to focus on shareholders returns.