Wades

In step with the rest of the industry as it deals with supersoft commodity prices, Houston-based Pogo Producing Co. also hascut back spending. In recent years the company’s annual explorationbudgets have been between $230 million and $250 million. Lastyear’s allocation was $230 million and was set to grow to between$260 and $270 million, said CEO Paul Van Wagenen. Instead, thecompany cut back considerably. This year Pogo is planning to spendabout $170 million.