Capital

MarkWest Energy Partners LP is working to reduce the basis differential for Marcellus/Utica producers as the midstream company prepares to scale back its capital budget for 2016 in anticipation of a bearish commodity price environment.

Chesapeake Energy Corp. and Encana Corp. have the highest maintenance capital costs and debt in their peer group, while EOG Resources Inc., Range Resources Corp., and EQT Corp. may be among those best positioned, enabling them more easily to replace forecasted production this year with cash flow, according to IHS Inc.

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX), whose natural gas-heavy portfolio runs across the U.S. onshore and into the deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GOM), is moving to combat commodity price declines by slashing more from capital spending plans, but it also may have to combat corporate raider Carl Icahn, who has acquired stakes in the company.

An abundance of natural gas and consequent low prices have helped turn the tide for long-haul pipelines. Where once there was worry, now there is opportunity, according to an analysis by U.S. Capital Advisors.

The sharp decline in oilfield service (OFS) costs and a focus by explorers on the best drilling locations may mitigate the drastic drop in commodity prices and improve the bottom line for the exploration and production (E&P) sector, according to experts.

The sharp decline in oilfield service (OFS) costs and a focus by explorers on the best drilling locations may mitigate the drastic drop in commodity prices and improve the bottom line for the exploration and production (E&P) sector, according to experts.

Freeport-McMoRan Inc., which holds stakes in some of the most promising natural gas developments in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) is continuing to prowl for a partner to underwrite its domestic exploration subsidiary, but an initial public offering (IPO) also is a possibility this year, management said Thursday.

Freeport-McMoRan Inc., which holds stakes in some of the most promising natural gas developments in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) is continuing to prowl for a partner to underwrite its domestic exploration subsidiary, but an initial public offering (IPO) also is a possibility this year, management said Thursday.

Chesapeake Energy Corp. on Monday reduced its 2015 capital budget by $500 million to $3.5-4.0 billion and now expects production to increase by only 1-3% from 2014, versus an original forecast of 3-5% growth.