U.S. Remains World's Top Crude Oil Producer in 2025 with Record Output

In 2025 the United States produced a record average of 13.6 million barrels per day of crude oil, including lease condensate, maintaining its position as the world's largest producer. This output was about 40 % higher than that of the next two largest producers, Russia and Saudi Arabia. The increase stemmed from continued gains in drilling productivity and operational efficiency across key shale basins, particularly the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico, which supplied roughly 48 % of U.S. output at 6.6 million barrels per day.

The surge occurred despite lower West Texas Intermediate prices, which fell to $65 per barrel in 2025 from $77 the previous year. The Energy Information Administration forecasts U.S. crude production near 13.7 million barrels per day in 2026 and rising to 14.2 million barrels per day in 2027, supported by stronger prices and ongoing shale productivity improvements. The record production bolsters U.S. energy security and reinforces its role as a major exporter of crude and refined products.