Permian output rises to record levels while flaring falls, report shows

(WO) - A new report from Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) shows that oil production across the U.S., Permian basin and Texas reached record levels while flaring intensity declined significantly in recent years. 

According to the analysis, U.S. flaring intensity has fallen 45% since 2019, even as production increased by 8% over the same period. The most pronounced improvements were seen in Texas and the Permian basin, where flaring intensity declined by approximately 50% and 62%, respectively.

The Permian basin produced approximately 6.3 MMbpd of crude, accounting for nearly half of total U.S. oil output, while Texas exceeded 2 billion barrels of annual production for the first time.

Between 2023 and 2024, Permian production rose 6%, while flaring intensity dropped nearly 10% and flared volumes declined by 4%. The report attributes these gains largely to expanded takeaway capacity from major pipeline projects, including Gulf Coast Express, Permian Highway Pipeline and Matterhorn Express.

Despite the overall downward trend, flaring intensity increased slightly year over year in 2024, reflecting rapid production growth that outpaced infrastructure expansion in some regions.

The findings highlight the role of midstream development in reducing flaring while supporting continued growth in U.S. shale output.