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U.S. shale drillers boost output from existing wells using surfactants

OilPrice says Chevron is using advanced chemical surfactants in more than 600 wells as of July 2026 to improve flow from shale and tight formations.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Energy

U.S. shale producers are increasingly finding ways to extract more oil without relying solely on new drilling, with OilPrice describing the use of advanced chemical surfactants to help release oil from tight and shale rock formations.

The outlet says drillers are testing surfactant “cocktail” mixes to loosen trapped oil, improve how it moves through tiny spaces in the formation, and increase production from wells already in operation.

OilPrice adds that the approach is being paired with other technologies such as longer laterals, helping producers get more oil with the same or fewer number of rigs.

Chevron is cited as an example, with OilPrice noting the company has developed proprietary chemical technology and that it is using the treatment in more than 600 wells as of July 2026, with initial testing in the Permian.

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