Oil and Gas Credit Metrics to Fall in 2009 as Commodity Bubble Bursts

...This report summarizes Fitch Ratings 2009 outlook for the oil & gas sector, including Fitch s revised price deck for 2009 and beyond . With the multi-year run-up in energy prices grinding sharply to a halt in the thir d quarter, credit metrics across the oil & gas sector are set to drop from their recent highs. Fitch s outlook for the U.S. oil & gas industry remains stable for 2009; howeve r, we would note that the 2009 outlook continues to weaken as commodity prices dip below $45/barrel for oil and $6/thousand cubic feet (Mcf) for natural gas, levels no t seen on a sustained basis since 2004. We would also note that the stable outlook would likely be revised sh ould further sustained deterioration in commodity prices take place in 2009. As economic conditions continue to weaken both in the U.S. and globally, risks for further downward movement in commodity prices remain possible, as global demand for commodities is expected to continue to come under pressure. Fitch s...

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