Tariffs and their uncertainty “will certainly decrease expected investment activity in the energy sector,” says the new report. More than $50 billion of offshore investment this year has been deferred “with operators looking to wait out current market uncertainty before making significant final investment decisions,” Rystad notes.
Rystad estimates that tariffs will increase costs for offshore oil and gas projects by 8% year-over-year and 12% for onshore. “Most steel and raw material exposed cost categories are feeling the majority of the impact from tariffs and thus will take the biggest hit.”
The Tax Foundation and Wood Mackenzie have offered similar opinions.
Comment: At a glance, the number of 2025 well starts in the GOA appears to be down (more on this at a later date). While there are many factors affecting drilling decisions, lower oil prices and higher costs associated with tariffs are not compatible with a “drill baby drill” philosophy.
Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE) 