Since 1990, most people in the oil and gas industry have consistently supported conservative Republican candidates. That remains true for the 2016 election. While news reports have focused on oil drilling, fracking, and the Keystone XL Pipeline, the impact of governmental policies on energy continue to have a much more widespread effect.
The world is watching anxiously to see whether Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump will be the next U.S. president.
Energy issues have not been a major point of debate in the 2016 presidential campaigns; and, as the election campaign closes in, matters of particular interest to those working in the oil and gas industry are seldom mentioned. However, manufacturers and suppliers of various pipe protection products, such as, drill pipe protectors, pipe plugs, octg (oil country tubular goods), oilfield equipment, and other related products, are waiting to hear which administration will be making the decisions that will be directly affecting the industry.
Elections and the Stock Market
Historically, the performance of the overall market has not been affected very much in the long term by election results. However, those investing primarily in oil and gas securities will be glued to their TV screens on November 8th.
The overall market is composed of industrial segments and individual companies, and this portion of the market will be dramatically affected by future policies and regulations. The oil and gas producer’s outlooks will rise or fall based on whether voters choose Clinton or Trump, even though few voters are expected to decide based primarily on energy issues.
One Million Barrels a Day
Earlier this year, at the Platts Crude Oil Summit, the prediction was made that the choice of president symbolizes a swing of one million barrels of oil a day.
- It was felt that a Trump administration could result in additional oil production of 500,000 barrels each day. Trump has repeatedly said that he favors lifting the current restrictions on oil, gas, and coal.
- On the other hand, a Clinton administration was predicted to slash oil production by 500,000 barrels per day. The progressive policies of a Clinton administration are expected to favor environmental restrictions, carbon taxes, and green energy at the expense of oil and gas producers.
Ultimately, those in the oil and gas industry, including manufacturers and suppliers, like MSI Pipe Protection Technologies, expect to feel a slight impact either way, as the outcome of the 2016 presidential election will be historically significant.
As an industry leader, MSI remains committed to providing service excellence to our customers and partners. Shop top-quality pipe protection products online, or connect with a customer service representative today!
