By Dan Murtaugh
Bloomberg News
Oil production in the Eagle Ford Shale formation in Texas reached an all-time high in February as it climbed 74 percent compared with a year earlier.
The nine geographic fields that make up the majority of Eagle Ford yielded 471,258 barrels of crude a day in February, according to preliminary data released by the Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees oil and gas drilling in the state. In February 2012, the fields produced 271,521 barrels daily.
Commission production totals typically increase in subsequent months as the state receives revised, corrected or late reports. January output was revised to 462,160 barrels a day from the preliminary report of 373,303.
Production of condensates, or natural gas liquids, was 89,217 barrels a day in February, down from 117,789 a year earlier, as drillers moved away from less profitable gas.
Production of natural gas was 1.79 billion cubic feet a day, compared with 1.87 billion the year before.
West Texas: Eagle Ford Shale provided $61B economic boost to South Texas
EOG Resources Inc. is the largest leaseholder in the Eagle Ford play, with 639,000 net acres. Chesapeake Energy Corp. is next with 485,000, followed by Apache Corp. and BP Plc, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Growing production out of Eagle Ford is helping fuel a renaissance in Texas crude. The state produced 2.26 million barrels a day in December, the highest monthly level since May 1986, according to the Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the Energy Department.
Plains Marketing LP’s posted price for Eagle Ford light oil today was $84.50 a barrel, compared with the most recent settlement prices of $88.38 for West Texas Intermediate and $107.66 for Brent.
Cattle rest on a field near Helena, Texas in Karnes County. In the last four years, more than 2,000 drilling permits have been issued for Karnes County. Oil production rose from 318,952 barrels in 2009 to nearly 46 million barrels through the first 10 months of 2013. less
Cattle rest on a field near Helena, Texas in Karnes County. In the last four years, more than 2,000 drilling permits have been issued for Karnes County. Oil production rose from 318,952 barrels in 2009 to ... more
Photo: Jerry Lara / Associated Press
Cowboy Terry Stewart (right) tags a cow Monday September 30, 2013 on the Dillie Albert ranch south of Kenedy, Texas. While the quest for oil and gas continues in the Eagle Ford shale formation area, some ranchers in the area like Dillie Albert continue with cattle operations. less
Cowboy Terry Stewart (right) tags a cow Monday September 30, 2013 on the Dillie Albert ranch south of Kenedy, Texas. While the quest for oil and gas continues in the Eagle Ford shale formation area, some ... more
Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
Dillie Albert waits Monday September 30, 2013 at her ranch south of Kenedy, Texas for cattle to be penned up. Albert still works cattle on her ranch while many of her neighbors in the Eagle Ford shale formation area have sold their interests to the oil and gas industry. less
Dillie Albert waits Monday September 30, 2013 at her ranch south of Kenedy, Texas for cattle to be penned up. Albert still works cattle on her ranch while many of her neighbors in the Eagle Ford shale ... more
Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
Local residents listen to speakers during a town hall meeting on commercial disposal wellsThursday July 11, 2013 at Dilley Elementary School in Dilley, Tx.
Local residents listen to speakers during a town hall meeting on commercial disposal wellsThursday July 11, 2013 at Dilley Elementary School in Dilley, Tx.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News
Peggy Schultze Van Cleeve stands on FM 469 in La Salle County, north west of Cotulla, Texas, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013. In 1952, her father gave the state land for the county road. With oilfield-related traffic tearing paved farm roads in the area, the state want to convert them into gravel roads. less
Peggy Schultze Van Cleeve stands on FM 469 in La Salle County, north west of Cotulla, Texas, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013. In 1952, her father gave the state land for the county road. With oilfield-related traffic ... more
Photo: Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News
Oil-field related traffic moves on FM 469 in La Salle County, north west of Cotulla, Texas, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013. With raffic tearing paved farm roads in the area, the state want to convert them into gravel roads. less
Oil-field related traffic moves on FM 469 in La Salle County, north west of Cotulla, Texas, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013. With raffic tearing paved farm roads in the area, the state want to convert them into gravel ... more
Photo: Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News
Charles Covert, who owns a ranch in La Salle County, believes that he is suffering from the effects of hydrogen sulfide released from the oil and gas well seen behind the fence line, which is on a neighbor's property. less
Charles Covert, who owns a ranch in La Salle County, believes that he is suffering from the effects of hydrogen sulfide released from the oil and gas well seen behind the fence line, which is on a neighbor's ... more
Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News
Charles Covert displays the medications that he takes since breathing hydrogen sulfide from an oil and gas well on a neighbor's property.
Charles Covert displays the medications that he takes since breathing hydrogen sulfide from an oil and gas well on a neighbor's property.
Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News
Michael Rodriguez takes meals to customers Saturday Oct. 5, 2013 at the Eagleford Restaurant in Cuero, Tx.
Michael Rodriguez takes meals to customers Saturday Oct. 5, 2013 at the Eagleford Restaurant in Cuero, Tx.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News
Oil related traffic moves along FM 81 by the Helena Latin Cemetery, in Karnes City, Texas. Located in Karnes County, the area has seen the effects of the oil boom due to the Eagle Ford Shale Play. In the last four years, more than 2,000 drilling permits have been issued for Karnes County. Oil production rose from 318,952 barrels in 2009 to nearly 46 million barrels through the first 10 months of 2013. less
Oil related traffic moves along FM 81 by the Helena Latin Cemetery, in Karnes City, Texas. Located in Karnes County, the area has seen the effects of the oil boom due to the Eagle Ford Shale Play. In the last ... more
Photo: Jerry Lara / Associated Press
George Kowalik, 68, checks out his great-great-grandfather's 1860's house in Panna Maria, Texas. Kowalik retired three years ago from a career with the Farm Bureau and until recently, scraped by with the ranching business. That changed with the oil boom. less
George Kowalik, 68, checks out his great-great-grandfather's 1860's house in Panna Maria, Texas. Kowalik retired three years ago from a career with the Farm Bureau and until recently, scraped by with the ... more
Photo: Jerry Lara / Associated Press
The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church steeple is seen beyond oil pump jacks in Panna Maria, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013. The town is the site of oldest permanent Polish settlement in North America and has seen changes due to the oil boom from the Eagle Ford Shale play. Once a sleepy town, oil related traffic moves by the church and also brings more money to the coffers. Plans are underway to build a 14,500 square foot Panna Maria Heritage Center that will house a museum and a library. less
The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church steeple is seen beyond oil pump jacks in Panna Maria, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013. The town is the site of oldest permanent Polish settlement in North America and has ... more
Photo: Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News
Oil-field related traffic moves along Farm Road 81 by the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Panna Maria, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013. The town is the site of oldest permanent Polish settlement in North America and has seen changes due to the oil boom from the Eagle Ford Shale play. Once a sleepy town, oil related business has brought more money to the coffers. Plans are underway to build a 14,500 square foot Panna Maria Heritage Center that will house a museum and a library. less
Oil-field related traffic moves along Farm Road 81 by the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Panna Maria, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013. The town is the site of oldest permanent Polish settlement in North ... more
Photo: Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News
An tractor trailer passes by highwal 35 next to Cotulla City as the City has shown huge growth thanks to the Eagle Ford Shale.
An tractor trailer passes by highwal 35 next to Cotulla City as the City has shown huge growth thanks to the Eagle Ford Shale.
Photo: Ulysses S. Romero
These colorful multiunit apartments in Encinal along IH 35 provide housing for Eagle Ford Shale workers in the area.
These colorful multiunit apartments in Encinal along IH 35 provide housing for Eagle Ford Shale workers in the area.
Photo: Ulysses S. Romero
Cesar Garcia uses his cell phone after work with roommate Andres Cadena, relaxing alongside their trailer at Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Cesar Garcia uses his cell phone after work with roommate Andres Cadena, relaxing alongside their trailer at Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Photo: Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News
A no vacancy sign is posted at Balia Inn Motel in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Thursday, June 9, 2011. The demand for living space by oilfield workers drawn to the area by the Eagle Ford play has forced the motel not to take reservations and rooms are available on a first come first serve basis. At the start of the day, the hotel had five rooms available but in not time, those rooms were rented. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net less
A no vacancy sign is posted at Balia Inn Motel in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Thursday, June 9, 2011. The demand for living space by oilfield workers drawn to the area by the Eagle Ford play has forced the motel ... more
After a day at work, construction consultants Gary Cordell and Barry Mears head out for the local 9 hole golf course near Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
After a day at work, construction consultants Gary Cordell and Barry Mears head out for the local 9 hole golf course near Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Photo: Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News
Dulce Terrazas salvages the remainder of lunch served to her crew during the day, as Andres Islas (center) and her brother Angel Terrazas unwind at Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Dulce Terrazas salvages the remainder of lunch served to her crew during the day, as Andres Islas (center) and her brother Angel Terrazas unwind at Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Photo: Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News
Trailers are packed into a gravel space at Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Trailers are packed into a gravel space at Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Photo: Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News
Oilfield Christian Fellowship created this custom bible created, as part of its outreach program to touch the lives of people working in the oil patch and places like the Eagle Ford Shale.
Oilfield Christian Fellowship created this custom bible created, as part of its outreach program to touch the lives of people working in the oil patch and places like the Eagle Ford Shale.
Photo: John Davenport / San Antonio Express-News
Adam Garcia (left) who works laying pipe in the Eagle Ford Shale energy sector, assists Juan Rodriguez with a Bible passage during a meeting at Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet, Texas. Several people who work in the Eagle Ford Shale energy sector attend the services. less
Adam Garcia (left) who works laying pipe in the Eagle Ford Shale energy sector, assists Juan Rodriguez with a Bible passage during a meeting at Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet, Texas. Several people who work ... more
Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News
Pastor Juan Florez leads Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet, Texas, which ministers to people employed in the Eagle Ford Shale sector.
Pastor Juan Florez leads Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet, Texas, which ministers to people employed in the Eagle Ford Shale sector.
Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News
Andy Ervin speaks at The Quarry Golf Club during a meeting of the San Antonio chapter of the Oilfield Christian Fellowship. The group has created a custom Bible for oil field workers and attempts to touch the lives of men and women working in areas like the Eagle Ford shale formation. less
Andy Ervin speaks at The Quarry Golf Club during a meeting of the San Antonio chapter of the Oilfield Christian Fellowship. The group has created a custom Bible for oil field workers and attempts to touch the ... more
Photo: John Davenport / San Antonio Express-News
Pastor Juan Florez (left) of Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet, enjoys a moment with people in his congregation. Juan Rodriguez, who stands next to Pastor Florez, is seeking work; Adam Garcia, wearing the Yankees ball cap, is a machine operator in the Eagle Ford Shale energy sector; and Luis Gomez, wearing number 51, works in home construction. less
Pastor Juan Florez (left) of Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet, enjoys a moment with people in his congregation. Juan Rodriguez, who stands next to Pastor Florez, is seeking work; Adam Garcia, wearing the ... more
Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News
Adam Garcia, a machine operator who works laying down pipe in the Eagle Ford Shale energy industry, attends Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet, Texas.
Adam Garcia, a machine operator who works laying down pipe in the Eagle Ford Shale energy industry, attends Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet, Texas.
Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News
Pastor Juan Florez, leads a mid-week worship service at Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet, Texas. Several people who work in the Eagle Ford Shale energy sector attend the services.
Pastor Juan Florez, leads a mid-week worship service at Hosanna Baptist Church in Poteet, Texas. Several people who work in the Eagle Ford Shale energy sector attend the services.
Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News
Virginia Terrazas (left) hands a Bloody Mary beverage to her sister-in-law Dulce Terrazas as they unwind and barbecue outside at the Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Virginia Terrazas (left) hands a Bloody Mary beverage to her sister-in-law Dulce Terrazas as they unwind and barbecue outside at the Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Photo: Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News
Doug Boozer buys some steaks from vendors Mike Cowan and Josh Green at Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Doug Boozer buys some steaks from vendors Mike Cowan and Josh Green at Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Photo: Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News
Humberto Montalvo stands in front of his Gillett General Store, which is experiencing brisk business due to the oil boom in South Texas.
Humberto Montalvo stands in front of his Gillett General Store, which is experiencing brisk business due to the oil boom in South Texas.
Photo: Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News
Cousins Victor Alaniz (left) and Joe Alaniz explain their economic choices in taking jobs away from home, as they return in the evening to the Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Cousins Victor Alaniz (left) and Joe Alaniz explain their economic choices in taking jobs away from home, as they return in the evening to the Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Photo: Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News
Joe Golding talks about his living circumstances at Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Joe Golding talks about his living circumstances at Lonesome Creek RV Resort near Kenedy, Texas.
Photo: Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News
Nicole Garcia hugs her son, Johnny Joe Garcia, III, 3, at the Tips Park in Three Rivers, Texas, Monday, March 26, 2012. In back is her husband, Johnny Joe Garcia, Jr. The family has lived at the park for the past two months. He is a pipeline trucker. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less
Nicole Garcia hugs her son, Johnny Joe Garcia, III, 3, at the Tips Park in Three Rivers, Texas, Monday, March 26, 2012. In back is her husband, Johnny Joe Garcia, Jr. The family has lived at the park for the ... more
Jose Tapia, 28, left, and Jose Pineda, 27, of Laredo, wait for their accommodations at the Mesquite Lodge in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Monday, March 19, 2012. Hotels, motels, man camps and RV parks are springing up throughout the Eagle Ford Shale counties. The workforce is now around 20,000. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less
Jose Tapia, 28, left, and Jose Pineda, 27, of Laredo, wait for their accommodations at the Mesquite Lodge in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Monday, March 19, 2012. Hotels, motels, man camps and RV parks are springing ... more
Three-year-old J.J. Garcia, III, waits watching television while the family prepares for dinner at Tips Park in Three Rivers, Texas, Wednesday, March 29, 2012. Johnny Garcia, Jr., left, logs over 300 miles a day as a pipeline truck driver and his wife, Nicole, stays at home to take care of their son. He has been working oilfield related trucking on and off since 2007. The couple bought the travel trailer in Asherton and have lived at the park for over two months. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less
Three-year-old J.J. Garcia, III, waits watching television while the family prepares for dinner at Tips Park in Three Rivers, Texas, Wednesday, March 29, 2012. Johnny Garcia, Jr., left, logs over 300 miles a ... more
A passing storms lights up the sky with ligthning by a rig near IH-37 South near Whitsett, Wednesday, March 29, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-New
A passing storms lights up the sky with ligthning by a rig near IH-37 South near Whitsett, Wednesday, March 29, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-New
Welder Shawn Stelly, 26, left, of Lafyette, LA., watches as welder assistants, Amy Brown, 31, center, and Josh Peltcher, 27, practice on a pipe at Tips Park in Three Rivers, Texas, Monday, March 26, 2012. The two are hoping to move up to welder status and increase their pay. The city runs the park and it is filled with oilfield related workers. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less
Welder Shawn Stelly, 26, left, of Lafyette, LA., watches as welder assistants, Amy Brown, 31, center, and Josh Peltcher, 27, practice on a pipe at Tips Park in Three Rivers, Texas, Monday, March 26, 2012. The ... more
Allen Fowler, 36, and his wife, Ashley, 21, live in company-provided housing at an RV park Eagle in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Monday, March 19, 2012. The East Texas residents were drawn to the Eagle Ford Shale area for the high paying jobs. Fowler sets up wells for drilling sites and earns $14.50 an hour. The higher pay come from working up to 90 hours a week. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less
Allen Fowler, 36, and his wife, Ashley, 21, live in company-provided housing at an RV park Eagle in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Monday, March 19, 2012. The East Texas residents were drawn to the Eagle Ford Shale ... more
Jorge Castillo, 24, of San Juan, Texas, gets his laundry done at a laundromat in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Wednesday, March 28, 2012. The Rio Grande Valley resident took a job on a roustabout crew. The job is one of the lowest in the oil business and entails digging trenches, washing pits and moving rigs. Together with roommate and fellow worker, Juan Garcia, they earn $13 an hour and each pay $400 a month for a FEMA trailer in Asherton, Texas. But when there is no work, there is no money. The only jobs in the Valley available to Castillo would pay the minimum wage. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less
Jorge Castillo, 24, of San Juan, Texas, gets his laundry done at a laundromat in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Wednesday, March 28, 2012. The Rio Grande Valley resident took a job on a roustabout crew. The job is ... more
After a long day of work in the oilfields, Roel Flores, 29, catches a moving at the Mezquite Lodge in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Monday, March 19, 2012. Some of the companies provide housing for their workers. Lodges made up of modular structures are poping up in the shale play area. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less
After a long day of work in the oilfields, Roel Flores, 29, catches a moving at the Mezquite Lodge in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Monday, March 19, 2012. Some of the companies provide housing for their workers. ... more
Alan Roberts, 53, gets a haircut from Josie Wimberley at a man camp in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Wednesday, March 21, 2012. An oilfield worker all his adult life, Roberts said, "The good old days were the hard old days. If you lived on a drilling rig, you lived in a little room with six or eight guys on top of you." Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less
Alan Roberts, 53, gets a haircut from Josie Wimberley at a man camp in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Wednesday, March 21, 2012. An oilfield worker all his adult life, Roberts said, "The good old days were the hard ... more
Oilfield related traffic moves along FM 186 near Carrizo Springs, Texas, Wednesday, March 21, 2012. Traffic is up along most of the roads in the South Texas Eagle Ford Shale play. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less
Oilfield related traffic moves along FM 186 near Carrizo Springs, Texas, Wednesday, March 21, 2012. Traffic is up along most of the roads in the South Texas Eagle Ford Shale play. Jerry Lara/San Antonio ... more
Traffic piles up at along State Highway 85 at the US 83 intersection in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Thursday, March 22, 2112. Traffic is up along most of the roads in the South Texas Eagle Ford Shale play. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less
Traffic piles up at along State Highway 85 at the US 83 intersection in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Thursday, March 22, 2112. Traffic is up along most of the roads in the South Texas Eagle Ford Shale play. Jerry ... more
Oilfield related traffic moves along FM 468 just northwest of Cotulla, Texas, Thursday, March 22, 2012. Traffic is up along most of the roads in the South Texas Eagle Ford Shale play. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-New less
Oilfield related traffic moves along FM 468 just northwest of Cotulla, Texas, Thursday, March 22, 2012. Traffic is up along most of the roads in the South Texas Eagle Ford Shale play. Jerry Lara/San Antonio ... more
Oilfield related traffic moves along FM 468 just northwest of Cotulla, Texas, Thursday, March 22, 2012. Traffic is up along most of the roads in the South Texas Eagle Ford Shale play. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less
Oilfield related traffic moves along FM 468 just northwest of Cotulla, Texas, Thursday, March 22, 2012. Traffic is up along most of the roads in the South Texas Eagle Ford Shale play. Jerry Lara/San Antonio ... more
Truck traffic on East 468 Traffic on roads throughout the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas, Wednesday, March 21, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News
Truck traffic on East 468 Traffic on roads throughout the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas, Wednesday, March 21, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News
A McMullen County Independent School District bus leaves the school in Tilden, Texas Wednesday February 15, 2012 as a tanker truck passes by. Tilden is in the Eagle Ford shale area where drilling for oil and gas is on the rise. Enrollment at the small school district's schools is also on the rise as people come to the area seeking jobs. John Davenport/San Antonio Express-News less
A McMullen County Independent School District bus leaves the school in Tilden, Texas Wednesday February 15, 2012 as a tanker truck passes by. Tilden is in the Eagle Ford shale area where drilling for oil and ... more
Students from McMullen County Elementary School in Tilden, Texas play ball Wednesday February 15, 2012 as a tanker truck passes by the school's playground. The McMullen County Independent School District is in the Eagle Ford shale formation area and enrollment in the district has seen an increase of 27 percent as people come looking for jobs related to the oil and gas industry. Truck traffic in the small town has also increased dramatically. John Davenport/San Antonio Express-News less
Students from McMullen County Elementary School in Tilden, Texas play ball Wednesday February 15, 2012 as a tanker truck passes by the school's playground. The McMullen County Independent School District is in ... more
Read ongoing FuelFix coverage of the Eagle Ford Shale boom:
- Schlumberger Eagle Ford deal to showcase cutting-edge technology (April 15)
- Studying the Eagle Ford above ground (April 15)
- Eagle Ford sale nets $401M (April 3)
- Faith helps fuel daily life in Eagle Ford (April 1)
- Anadarko’s plant nears completion (March 31)
- Eagle Ford Shale boom helping poorest Texas counties (March 29)
- Union Pacific expanding South Texas workforce (March 28)
