---
title: New analysis says DUCs can’t sustain US shale output
description: A new analysis from ESAI Energy says while operators are drawing down their inventory of drilled, uncompleted wells, that will last only through mid-2021.
image: https://www.esaienergy.com/hubfs/MRT.jpg
---

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Press

# New analysis says DUCs can’t sustain US shale output

A new analysis from ESAI Energy says while operators are drawing down their inventory of drilled, uncompleted wells, that will last only through mid-2021.

[ESAI Energy](https://www.esaienergy.com/resources/author/esai-energy)

 Sep 8, 2023

---

![MRT](https://www.esaienergy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MRT.jpg?width=299&height=188&name=MRT.jpg)With capital to drill new wells in short supply and the COVID-19 pandemic sending oil demand crashing, oil and gas companies have turned to their inventory of drilled, uncompleted wells to keep supplies flowing.

But a new study by ESAI Energy said that the nation’s inventory of drilled, uncompleted wells could last only until mid-2021, accelerating production declines without a sharp rise in drilling activity.

[Press](https://www.esaienergy.com/resources/tag/press)

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