Amid 2025’s geopolitical conflicts, oil price volatility, and deglobalization, the global oil & gas drilling market shows striking divergence. Western Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are seeing modest growth, while North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania face declines—yet the year will still add 5 billion barrels of recoverable oil resources globally.

North America is down 6.4% overall. U.S. shale plays see rig cuts, Canada focuses on natural gas extraction, and Mexico emerges as a dark horse with 10.3% growth driven by new discoveries in the Zama oilfield. Western Europe rises 7.3%, led by Norway’s 15.3% surge, while the UK achieves 6.8% growth through CCS applications.

Central and Northern Asia edges up 0.4%. Kazakhstan expands production at the Tengiz oilfield, and Azerbaijan deepens international natural gas cooperation. Asia grows 1.2%, with China leading breakthroughs in onshore shale oil & gas, Indonesia advancing gas projects steadily, and Malaysia dropping 31.4% due to asset sales.

South America falls 5.2%. Brazil’s offshore exploration soars 29.8%, Guyana and Suriname sustain momentum, while Argentina and Colombia decline amid cost and policy pressures.

Africa drops 4.4%. Namibia’s offshore exploration creates a “catfish effect,” Angola and Libya restart tenders, and Egypt and Nigeria focus on gas development.

The Middle East creeps up 0.8%. The UAE leads with 10.3% growth, Saudi Arabia shifts to energy transition, Iraq pushes oilfield revitalization, and Iran’s output is hit by attacks.

Oceania plunges 27.3%. Australia advances 19 new projects to fill resource gaps, while Papua New Guinea’s drilling volume plummets 57.1%.

In this complex landscape, accurately grasping regional divergence is key to seizing opportunities in the oil & gas industry’s new cycle.