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Stay updated on the latest May 25, 2025 oil, gas, and energy news, including natural gas market analysis, OPEC+ strategy impacting US shale, advanced nuclear energy developments, and energy company updates for oilfield and energy professionals. Get the essential news for energy companies looking for oil and gas and energy news.

Welcome to your Saturday, May 25, 2025 energy update from OG OIL GAS ENERGY NEWS, bringing you the latest insights and analysis from the North American energy markets and beyond.... This briefing covers key movements in natural gas futures, major shifts in global oil policy affecting US shale, and significant developments in advanced nuclear energy technology deployment aimed at national security and energy independence goals.... Energy companies looking for oil and gas and energy news will find critical information here to stay informed on the rapidly evolving landscape of the oilfield and broader energy sector....

Natural Gas Markets Face Bearish Pressure Amid Storage Surge

US natural gas futures have been slipping, moving towards the crucial 200-day moving average support level of $3.176, a level that has held firm recently but faces renewed pressure. This bearish momentum is primarily fueled by a massive storage injection reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) for the week ending May 16, which saw 120 Bcf added to storage, significantly exceeding the five-year average of +87 Bcf. Total working gas in storage now stands at 2,375 Bcf, which is 90 Bcf above the five-year norm, although still 333 Bcf below last year's levels.

The rapid inventory build is pressuring prices, reflecting mild weather and strong solar output, which reached record highs last week. The market is assessing this oversupplied backdrop, with analysts suggesting a break below the 200-day moving average could lead to further selling towards recent lows at $3.098 and $3.035.... Adding to the bearish tone, spot prices in the Permian Basin have turned negative, indicating regional oversupply and infrastructure constraints, while national production remains firm above 105 Bcf/d... Near-term demand outlook is capped by a mild weather forecast across the Midwest and East, with strong solar penetration offsetting gas-fired power generation....

On Friday, May 23, ahead of the extended holiday weekend, June Nymex natural gas futures did turn modestly higher after bouncing off morning losses, closing up 5.2 cents to $3.305/MMBtu as of 2:25 p.m. ET, with the contract's expiration looming and the official start of summer potentially bringing stronger demand.... Fundamentals did not inspire significant gains through Wednesday afternoon trading on May 21, and mild weather forecasts maintained pressure through Monday, May 19. A stout storage print on May 15 also led to lower prices, following a triple-digit storage injection (the fourth in a row to top 100 Bcf) reported on Thursday, May 22, which kept pressure on futures through midday trade...

OPEC+ Targets US Shale Oil with Output Hikes

In a strategic move, OPEC+, including key players Saudi Arabia and Russia, is reportedly targeting US shale production with planned output hikes, aiming to win back market share that the United States gained over the past decade.... After a previous price war failed to curb US shale growth due to technological advancements, US shale producers are now considered more vulnerable due to rising costs over the last three years and falling income influenced partly by global oil price declines and trade policies.... Sources indicate that pushing oil prices below their current level of around $65 per barrel, specifically to less than $55-$60, would be necessary to significantly impact shale producers.

The May 3 decision by OPEC+ to increase output faster than planned is seen by some sources as motivated by this objective, though they note it's not yet considered a full price war. Rising production costs for shale producers, estimated at $65 per barrel on average for profitable drilling in regions like Texas, New Mexico, and Louisiana, contrast sharply with estimated Saudi costs of $3-$5 per barrel and Russian costs of $10-$20. After years of cutting production to balance the market as US shale grew, OPEC+ is now increasing output to reclaim market share, which has fallen from 40% globally a decade ago to under 25% this year, while the US share rose from 14% to 20%... Moscow is reported to increasingly support the Saudi strategy, viewing US shale growth as the main source of market imbalance and finding prices below $60 per barrel potentially suitable for exports....

The recent OPEC+ output hikes, coupled with global economic concerns, contributed to Brent oil falling to near $58 per barrel in April. This timing is particularly difficult for US producers, who face expected lower production this year as prime shale areas are depleted, along with market volatility and potential bankruptcies influenced by trade policies. While price wars are painful for all, requiring capital expenditure cuts and impacting government revenues (Russia needs >$77/barrel, Saudi Arabia >$90/barrel to balance budgets), Saudi officials have reportedly briefed allies that they find $60 per barrel bearable for a period....

Separately, an article dated May 25, 2025, discusses Russia's plan to sign a partnership agreement with OPEC, which was expected to be discussed at the OPEC December 6 meeting and intended to institutionalize their alliance that began in late 2016, coming into force from January 1.... The agreement aims for broader cooperation, evolving from the current production cut deal, with ministers meeting at least annually to discuss policy....

President Trump Accelerates Advanced Nuclear Reactor Deployment for National Security

On May 23, 2025, J. T President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at rapidly deploying advanced nuclear technologies to support national security objectives, including powering artificial intelligence (AI) computing infrastructure and national security installations....

The Order directs the Secretary of the Army to establish a program for building a nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation to begin operations within three years. It also mandates the Secretary of Energy to designate AI data centers at or coordinating with Department of Energy (DOE) facilities as critical defense facilities and their power sources as defense critical electric infrastructure. DOE sites will be designated, and the private sector engaged, to deploy advanced nuclear technology for AI infrastructure and national security within 30 months. Military installations require uninterruptible, dispatchable, high-density power, which advanced nuclear reactors can provide, especially in locations with complex supply chains, crucial for readiness.

The Federal Government's advanced computing AI infrastructure will need a substantial increase in scalable power solutions, which advanced nuclear reactors are well-positioned to provide, ensuring technological supremacy in both AI and nuclear power. The Order seeks to enhance national security and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources for military and AI operations by empowering DOE and Department of Defense (DoD) to expand advanced nuclear power use and instructing them to reduce regulatory barriers. Comprehensively, the Executive Order is focused on reinvigorating the nuclear industrial base, strengthening the domestic nuclear fuel cycle, providing funding support for plants, expanding the nuclear energy workforce, and promoting American nuclear exports.... The Order addresses the concerning trend where 87% of new reactors built worldwide since 2017 are based on foreign designs, and the US is heavily reliant on foreign sources for uranium, enrichment, and conversion services.... Actions include removing government barriers to private sector investment, releasing high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) into a fuel bank, enabling privately-funded fuel recycling/reprocessing/fabrication at Federal sites, exploring categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and prioritizing security clearances. The Order also tasks the Secretary of State with leading diplomatic efforts to enable the US nuclear industry to access new markets abroad.... Strategies to increase financing for US nuclear projects, promote trade, and provide support for foreign adoption of nuclear energy are to be produced within 90 days.

The order aims for 5 gigawatts of power uprates to existing reactors and 10 new large reactors under construction by 2030, utilizing the DOE Loan Programs Office to support restarts, uprates, completions, and new constructions, as well as fuel supply chain aspects. Coordination with DoD will assess restarting or repurposing closed plants for military microgrid support. Within 180 days, funding priority through grants, loans, and other support shall be given to qualified advanced nuclear technologies demonstrating maturity and deployment potential. Workforce development is a key focus, prioritizing nuclear engineering and related careers under Executive Order 14278 and increasing participation in related Registered Apprenticeships and Career and Technical Education programs. Departments providing educational grants are encouraged to prioritize these fields, and access to DOE National Laboratories for students and personnel is to be increased...

Northern Oil and Gas (NOG) Sees Position Changes and Shareholder Activity

In corporate news impacting oil and gas companies, Nuveen Asset Management LLC reduced its stake in Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (NYSE:NOG) by 10.4% in the 4th quarter, holding 1,226,479 shares valued at $45,576,000. Despite this reduction, several other large institutional investors modified their holdings in NOG, with firms like Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc., Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, Avior Wealth Management LLC, Tributary Capital Management LLC, and Blue Trust Inc. all increasing their positions during the 4th quarter. 

Institutional investors collectively own 98.80% of the stock. Analysts maintain a consensus rating of "Hold" for NOG, with an average price target of $39.67, although individual price targets and ratings vary among brokerages. Insider activity saw CEO Nicholas L. O'grady purchase 1,000 shares in March, increasing his total ownership. Director Bahram Akradi also made a significant purchase of 40,000 shares in March, increasing his position. These insider purchases represented increases of 0.44% and 2.47% in their respective holdings. NOG shares traded at $26.98 on Friday, May 24, with a market cap of $2.66 billion, a PE ratio of 5.25, and a beta of 1.47. The company recently reported Q1 earnings of $1.33 per share, beating the consensus estimate, with revenue up 51.9% year-over-year. Northern Oil and Gas also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.45 per share, representing a 6.67% annualized yield based on the share price, with a payout ratio of 28.04%. Additionally, the board initiated a $100.00 million share repurchase program allowing the company to buy back up to 3.6% of its stock. NOG operates crude oil and natural gas properties primarily in the Williston Basin, the Appalachian Basin, and the Permian Basin in the United States...

This briefing provides a snapshot of key developments impacting oilfield operations, energy sector investments, and North American energy markets.... For energy companies looking for oil and gas and energy news, staying ahead requires access to timely and relevant information on everything from natural gas market analysis and price data to global oil supply strategies and advancements in energy technology....

Want to stay informed on the latest natural gas price transparency, key data, news, and insights for the North American energy markets1...? OG OIL GAS ENERGY NEWS is your source for crucial updates on everything from Bidweek and Daily pricing data to Forward Curves, MidDay Alerts, Shale developments, and regulatory news.... Understanding market reports, natural gas prices, and the dynamics of energy infrastructure are vital for success in the oil and gas industry....

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