US Oil Production Won’t Return Soon to Pre-Pandemic Levels, Energy Secretary Says

Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette testifies at a hearing before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Energy in the Rayburn Building in Washington on July 14, 2020. Michael A. McCoy/Getty Images

WASHINGTON—U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette says he doesn’t expect U.S. oil production to rebound soon to pre-pandemic levels, as consumer demand remains weak.

U.S. oil output reached around 13 million barrels per day (bpd) in February before the coronavirus pandemic hit fuel demand.