New figures have shown that optimism among oil and gas companies fell dramatically at the end of last year in a continuation of a downward trend in the sector.
Industry body Oil and Gas UK’s business sentiment index, which is published today, has shown a drop of 16 points to -23 on a -50/+50 scale.
The overall index has slumped further into negative territory for the second quarter in a row amid a plunging oil price and lay-offs at several North Sea firms.
Oonagh Werngren, Oil & Gas UK’s operations director, said:“Unsurprisingly figures published today reveal serious concerns within the industry in light of the very real problems which face the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), including rising operational costs and a substantial drop in production efficiency.
“These existing problems, apparent even when the oil price was above $100 per barrel, have been exacerbated by the recent fall in oil price.”
Those who responded to the survey expressed a growing concern about the impact of the oil price, combined with the challenges of operating in a high cost, mature basin such as the UKCS.
The fear is that it could have a negative effect on future activity levels.
A number of companies said they have been reviewing their budgets for 2015 and there are clear signs that capital expenditure across the sector will drop.
Comments from contractor companies, working on UK oil and gas developments where investment is already committed, suggest that the full impact of the oil price is yet to be felt.
Respondents to the survey expressed their concern that future projects could be delayed or cancelled in the current economic climate.
Ms Werngren added: “While the UK oil and gas industry faces clear challenges as a result of the basin’s maturity, and more recently the oil price, it is now at a turning point.
“The positive news is that there is a clear consensus that the industry must accelerate its efforts to address the costs and efficiency of its operations across the UK.
“Alongside this, urgent government action on fiscal and regulatory reform is essential to help secure the next phase of development in the North Sea.”
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