Following its analysis through the end of August, our friends at Rystad today reports U.S. oil and gas M&A this year could surpass the $155 billion chalked up in 2023. With $100 billion already on the books in 2024, and another $46 billion in assets currently up for sale, buyers and sellers still have one-third of a year to make their final selections and bring them to the checkout counter....

Not quite a year ago, the market growth of natural gas liquids (NGLs) was forecast to increase by $19.62 billion in five years—that, by 2028—due to their use as feedstock to produce petrochemicals and plastics, generate heat and electricity. Despite low natural gas prices, this group of hydrocarbons has become one of the most valuable among the nation’s largest energy exports alongside natural gas and crude oil and have crowned the U.S. the world’s largest exporter as worldwide demand continues to rise....

When last we visited Energy Transfer earlier in May, the midstream machine and its combo platter of crude oil, natural gas, and NGL energy infrastructure had just wrapped up a spectacular 1Q. Perhaps there was a twinkle in the eye from Executive Chairman Kelcy Warren as the company marked its achievements, the reap of rewards from last year’s $9 billion in acquisitions, and the not-so-subtle hint there could be more fish to fry given just the right cast. ...

Natural gas takes center stage today with news from Enterprise Products, Haynesville pure player Comstock Resources, and BP setting the record straight about adding more U.S. shale gas assets following October’s mega mergers. ...