US ‘likely’ has taken over as the world’s top oil producer

Pump jacks operate in front of a drilling rig in an oil field in Midland. The US is now likely the biggest producer of oil in the world. (Reuters)

• America “likely surpassed” Russia in June and August.
• US production has soared in recent years because of techniques including hydraulic fracturing

The United States may have reclaimed the title of the world’s biggest oil sooner than expected.
The US Energy Information Administration said Wednesday that America “likely surpassed” Russia in June and August after jumping over Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
The agency says, however, that’s based on preliminary estimates.
If those estimates are right, it would mark the first time in more than two decades that the US has led in output.
US production has soared in recent years because of techniques including hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” the use of chemicals, sand, water and high pressure to crack rock formations deep below ground, releasing more oil and natural gas.
Fracking is driving a drilling boom in the Permian Basin under Texas and New Mexico.