Thanks largely to the use of 3-D seismic in prospecting for small structural closures, oil production has been rising in Kansas. From January through October 2009, 32.76 million barrels had already been produced. 

Discount rates among shale plays continue to be diverse, based on which plays have proven to perform, says Jim Parkman, co-founder and managing director of energy investment-banking firm Parkman Whaling LLC.

Hypothetical M&A combinations were the theme of the week, says Jefferies & Co. analyst Subash Chandra, with underperforming gas names as sellers and the majors buying.

It’s the big industry buzz word right now, unconventional oil. But just what is it?

A growing amount of private energy-investment capital is flowing into U.S. oil and gas pipeline infrastructure, according to industry insiders.

Without higher commodity prices as a general-interest magnet, how should wary investors spot winning E&P stocks in this year? Four analysts weighed in with Oil and Gas Investorabout nine upstream small- and mid-cap stocks that will definitely be worth watching.

What the oil and gas industry’s investment and management leaders are talking about.