Rystad estimates 3,900 drilled but uncompleted US horizontal oil wells

US shale operators have accumulated an estimated 3,900 drilled but uncompleted (DUC) horizontal oil wells with more than 90% in major liquids plays, said Rystad Energy’s latest analysis.

Rystad estimates the Permian basin has 1,200 wells awaiting completion services, Eagle Ford 1,000, the Bakken formation 850, the Niobrara 620, and another 270 DUCs are spread across other plays.

DUC numbers have grown during the current oil price slump. The DUC inventory includes wells with varying production expectations. Given differences among companies, the pace of DUC conversions will vary by operator, analysts have said.

Rystad Energy, an independent oil and gas consultant, maintains a shale well database called NASWellCube, which includes the DUC inventory.