More Eagle Ford condensate exported than crude

OREANDA-NEWS. June 03, 2015. More condensate is being exported from the Eagle Ford shale in Texas than crude, according to data collection firm ClipperData.

Shippers exported 2.7mn bl of Eagle Ford condensate in May, compared to 1.5mn bl of Eagle Ford crude. This was the first time condensate exports surpassed crude exports, according to ClipperData chief operating officer Abudi Zein, who spoke today at the Argus Petroleum Transportation Summit in Houston.

Exports of crude totaled 4mn bl in April while condensate exports were 3.4mn bl.

There are strict export limits on US produced crude. Most of the exports are to Canada while some Alaskan-produced crude can be exported under certain conditions.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) last year cleared Enterprise Products Partners and US independent Pioneer Natural Resources to export distilled condensate. Private Peaker Energy said it received a similar clearance the year before. Since then, condensate exports have climbed.

In December the BIS issued guidance stating distilled US condensates can be exported as freely as other refined products. The public guidelines cleared a path for rising US exports of the ultralight supply from fields like the Eagle Ford.

BP, Enterprise and BHP Billiton have all exported barrels. BHP has said it would export condensate without seeking official confirmation, while others, like Trafigura, have sought BIS clearances.