I know all that and know much more than you on this subject. I was with a heavy investment team both in the Bakken and with negotiating LNG with KOGAS.
The cost advantage of Saudi Arabia has ‘eroded’? BS! Back it up or go away!
Most drillers in the US are not crony effing capitalists. They are small operators seeking a living and an opportunity for great success.
It appears you’re one of those financial types, like the msm yip-yap boys who compulsively blather on about the oil market; while their knowledge of geology and petrochemical engineering wouldn’t fill the south east quadrant of a postage stamp.
Saudi Aramco’s low production costs have increased steadily over the past 80+ years for obvious reasons, among them:
* they no longer drill at a depth of a few hundred feet.
* the viscosity and sourness of their oil has increased.
* their “Rub al-Khali”/Empty Quarter; is a costly, dangerous and desolate desert in which to explore and drill.
Apparently, you’re unaware that the Saudi’s have announced plans to divest material portions of their industry.
Further, the best quality oil in the region comes from Iraq.
Upon reflection, what you don’t know about the oil business is very impressive.