Key facts
- The U.S. has maintained its position as the world's largest oil producer since 2018.
- In 2025, U.S. crude oil production averaged 13.586 million barrels per day, a 2.7% increase from the previous year.
- Russia's production averaged 10.161 million bpd, while Saudi Arabia produced 9.727 million bpd in the same period.
- U.S. crude oil output was approximately 40% higher than that of Russia and Saudi Arabia combined in 2025.
- Permian Basin production rose 4% to 6.6 million bpd in 2025, representing about 48% of U.S. output.
- U.S. petroleum exports saw a 15% increase in April, reaching record levels.
The United States has solidified its position as the world's leading oil producer, extending its lead over Russia and Saudi Arabia. This dominance is largely attributed to advancements in shale technology and increased drilling efficiency, particularly in the Permian Basin.
In 2025, U.S. crude oil and condensate production averaged 13.586 million barrels per day (bpd), marking a 2.7% increase from the previous year and constituting 15.8% of global output. In contrast, Russia's production averaged 10.161 million bpd, a slight decrease, while Saudi Arabia's output rose 5.7% to 9.727 million bpd. Despite these increases, both nations' production levels remain below that of the U.S., which was approximately 40% higher than their combined output in 2025.
Despite relatively weak West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices averaging $65 per barrel in 2025, U.S. output continued to grow. Production from the Permian Basin alone increased by 4% to 6.6 million bpd, accounting for about 48% of the nation's total crude oil production. The EIA forecasts continued growth, with U.S. production expected to remain near 13.7 million bpd in 2026 and surpass 14 million bpd the following year.
Amidst geopolitical tensions, including the U.S.-Iran war and Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy assets, the U.S. has also seen a surge in its oil exports. In April, U.S. petroleum exports jumped 15% from March, reaching a record high. Crude oil exports formed the largest portion, averaging 5.6 million bpd, a 21% increase over the previous record set in December 2023.