US Crude Oil Production Hits Record High in 2025

The Permian Basin drove nearly all of the growth, accounting for 48% of total output.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:40pm

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Despite lower rig activity and fewer wells drilled, the U.S. set a new record for crude oil production in 2025, reaching 13.6 million barrels per day, up 3% from the previous year. The Permian Basin continued to dominate, accounting for 48% of total production and nearly all of the growth.

Why it matters

The record-breaking crude oil production in 2025 highlights the ongoing importance of the U.S. energy industry, particularly the Permian Basin, to global energy markets. This growth occurred even as drilling activity declined, suggesting continued efficiency improvements in production.

The details

According to the EIA's Short-Term Energy Outlook, production from the Lower 48 states accounted for 11.3 million barrels per day, or 83% of total U.S. output. The Permian Basin grew to 6.6 million barrels per day, up 280,000 barrels per day from 2024 and driving nearly all of the national production growth. Meanwhile, the Eagle Ford and Bakken regions each contributed 9% of total U.S. crude oil production, with output remaining mostly flat.

  • In 2025, the number of active rigs per month in the Lower 48 was 5% lower than in 2024, and 1% fewer wells were drilled.
  • West Texas Intermediate crude prices fell from $77 per barrel in 2024 to $65 per barrel in 2025.

The players

Energy Information Administration (EIA)

The U.S. government agency that collects, analyzes, and disseminates energy information, including the data on record crude oil production in 2025.

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

The regional Federal Reserve bank that conducts a quarterly energy survey, which found that the breakeven prices for the Midland and Delaware basins in the Permian were below the 2024 annual average oil price.

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The takeaway

The record-breaking U.S. crude oil production in 2025, driven by the Permian Basin's continued dominance, demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the domestic energy industry. Even as drilling activity declined due to lower oil prices, producers were able to maintain growth through efficiency gains, highlighting the industry's ability to weather market fluctuations.