Oilfield Chemicals Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Chemical Type, Location, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Oilfield Chemicals Market is accounted for $21.02 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $35.64 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period. Specialized substances called oilfield chemicals are employed in the discovery, extraction, and production of oil and gas. These substances are essential for improving the effectiveness and security of oilfield operations. They perform a number of tasks, such as controlling formation pressures, reducing the negative effects of drilling operations on the environment, preventing equipment corrosion, and enhancing the performance of drilling fluids. Drilling muds, corrosion inhibitors, demulsifiers, biocides, and scale inhibitors are examples of common chemicals used in the oilfield.

According to the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), the proper use of oilfield chemicals is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and environmental safety in drilling operations.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Expanding oil recovery (eor) methods

Companies are utilizing extended-horizon oil recovery (EOR) techniques, which heavily depend on specialized chemicals, to optimize production from aging oilfields. These substances, which include polymers, alkaline agents, and surfactants, aid in increasing the oil's displacement efficiency from reservoirs. Additionally, the need to increase production and prolong the life of mature fields is driving the growing adoption of chemical EOR methods, which in turn is driving up the demand for oilfield chemicals.

Restraint:

Variable prices for oil

The state of the oil and gas sector as a whole, which is extremely vulnerable to changes in oil prices, is directly related to the market for oilfield chemicals. There is typically less demand for oilfield chemicals when there is a significant decline in oil prices, which also tends to lower exploration and production activities. On the other hand, while high oil prices can encourage investment, they can also raise the price of purchasing chemicals. Furthermore, the instability of the market affects market stability by making it difficult for businesses to plan ahead and sustain a steady demand for oilfield chemicals.

Opportunity:

Development of eco-friendly substances

The development and marketing of environmentally friendly oilfield chemicals presents a substantial opportunity for businesses as environmental regulations and public awareness of sustainability continue to rise. It is possible for businesses to lessen their environmental impact and comply with regulations by using non-toxic and biodegradable substitutes for conventional chemicals. Moreover, emerging trends in green chemistry, like the use of bio-based surfactants and natural polymers, are gaining popularity and have the potential to expand the market for ecologically friendly products.

Threat:

Disruptions to the supply chain

The oilfield chemicals market is susceptible to supply chain disruptions brought on by a number of events, such as transportation difficulties, natural disasters, and geopolitical unrest. Supply chain disruptions can cause delays in the manufacture and delivery of chemicals, which can have an impact on operations related to oil and gas. Additionally, supply chain risks can also be increased by reliance on particular raw materials, some of which may come from politically unstable areas. In order to maintain a consistent supply of chemicals, which can be expensive and complicated, businesses must manage these uncertainties.

Covid-19 Impact:

Due to widespread lockdowns and economic slowdowns, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in oil prices and a reduction in global energy demand, which had a significant impact on the oilfield chemicals market. The reduction or postponement of exploration and production operations resulted in a decline in the market demand for oilfield chemicals. Production and distribution of chemicals were negatively impacted, and the situation was made worse by logistical difficulties and supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, to preserve operational effectiveness while abiding by health and safety regulations, the market also witnessed a shift towards digitalization and remote monitoring technologies, which may have a long-term impact on industry practices.

The Onshore segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The market for oilfield chemicals is dominated by the onshore segment. The reason for this dominance is that there are a lot more onshore activities related to oil and gas production and exploration than there are offshore operations. Higher overall activity levels are usually the result of onshore drilling's lower cost and easier logistical setup than offshore drilling. Furthermore, onshore operations gain from having simpler access to resources and infrastructure, which increases the usage of oilfield chemicals. Additionally, the increasing number and frequency of onshore projects create a significant demand for different chemicals used in the drilling, cementing, stimulation, and production processes, thereby maintaining the market leadership of the onshore segment.

The Enhanced Oil Recovery segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

In the oilfield chemicals market, the Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR. EOR techniques are being used more often to optimize oil extraction from mature and declining fields, thereby tackling the global issue of conventional oil reserves being depleted. The techniques employed in these methods depend on specific chemicals, namely alkalis, polymers, and surfactants, to enhance the process of releasing trapped oil from reservoirs. Furthermore, this market is growing because of the growing need for energy and technological developments in EOR procedures.

Region with largest share:

With the largest share, the Middle East and Africa region is clearly the dominant player in the global oilfield chemicals market. This prominence is mostly due to the region's large reserves of gas and oil as well as a thriving upstream gas and oil industry. The Middle East has a significant demand for oilfield chemicals, such as production chemicals, well stimulation chemicals, and drilling fluids, due to its strategic position as a major oil-producing region. Moreover, the region's emphasis on improving oil recovery methods and increasing production efficiency also increases the demand for sophisticated chemical solutions, strengthening its position in the market.

Region with highest CAGR:

The oilfield chemicals market's highest CAGR is seen in the Latin America region. Numerous factors, including an increase in exploration and production activities in nations like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, are driving this growth trajectory. Drilling fluids, corrosion inhibitors, and demulsifiers are among the specialty chemicals in demand in the oilfield as these countries step up their efforts to extract their hydrocarbon resources. Furthermore, the region's appeal to oil and gas operators is further enhanced by regulatory reforms and conducive investment climates, which propel the oilfield chemicals market's continued expansion.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Oilfield Chemicals market include Baker Hughes, Clariant, Dow, BASF SE, Elementis PLC, Albemarle Corporation, Halliburton, Croda International PLC, The Lubrizol Corporation, Solvay S.A., Huntsman International LLC, CES Energy Solutions Corp., Kemira, Aquapharm Chemical Pvt. Ltd., Flotek Industries Inc., Schlumberger Limited and Nouryon.

Key Developments:

In May 2024, Midland, Michigan-based Dow has announced two partnerships designed to advance its circularity goals. In the U.S., the company has agreed to consume an estimated 65,000 metric tons of pyrolysis oil from the recycling facility Freepoint Eco-Systems Supply & Trading LLC, Stamford, Connecticut, is building in Eloy, Arizona, on 40 acres of previously undeveloped land.

In March 2024, Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemical company, and its process partner Lummus Technology have been selected by Huizhou Boeko Materials Co. Ltd., to provide their CATOFIN catalyst and process technology for the dehydrogenation of isobutane at the new plant in Huizhou City, China. The process technology is exclusively licensed by Lummus Technology, while the tailor-made catalyst is supplied by Clariant.

In December 2023, Baker Hughes has entered into a 20-year framework agreement with Chevron Australia for the supply of subsea production systems. Baker Hughes will offer its Aptara subsea production systems for Chevron Australia's future offshore developments.

Chemical Types Covered:

• Inhibitors
• Demulsifiers
• Rheology Modifiers
• Friction Reducers
• Scavengers
• Biocides
• Polymers
• Surfactants
• Foamers
• Other Chemical Types

Locations Covered:

• Onshore
• Offshore

Applications Covered:

• Drilling and Cementing
• Enhanced Oil Recovery
• Production
• Well Stimulation
• Workover and Completion
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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