Aramco Eyes Export Boost as Crescent Raises Output, Sempra Delays LNG

Saudi Aramco is evaluating options to expand its oil export capacity amid ongoing supply disruptions in the Middle East, according to Rigzone. The move comes as the war in Iran disrupts flows through the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi rebels threaten Red Sea shipments. Any significant increase in Saudi export capacity could influence global crude benchmarks, which are critical for pricing Bakken crude.

Domestically, Crescent Energy has raised its full-year production forecast, Rigzone reported. The company now expects output to range from 327,000 to 335,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed), with oil comprising 40-42 percent of that total. While not a Bakken-focused operator, Crescent's increased guidance reflects broader industry confidence in U.S. onshore production, which can affect regional pipeline and market dynamics.

In a separate development, Sempra has delayed the substantial completion of a Mexican liquefied natural gas (LNG) project to the fourth quarter of 2026, with sales to begin shortly after, according to Rigzone. While primarily a natural gas story, delays in LNG export infrastructure can impact the broader North American energy complex, indirectly affecting associated gas production economics in oil-prone basins like the Bakken.

For Bakken operators and royalty owners, these developments highlight the basin's exposure to volatile global geopolitics and domestic production trends. Increased Saudi capacity could help stabilize global supplies, potentially mitigating price spikes from Middle East conflicts. However, it also introduces a new source of supply competition. Continued strong U.S. production, as signaled by companies like Crescent, ensures ample domestic crude supply, keeping a focus on transportation and differentials for landlocked Bakken crude.