With most Texans staying at home and not driving, the demand for gas has fallen off. But refineries would stop producing before giving gas away for free.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texans in Congress look for ways to help as oil prices tank
While some companies can access small-business funds, the major stimulus that has made its way through Congress has no specific help for the energy sector. Members from Texas are looking for other ways to help.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus in Texas: U.S. Senate backs new round of economic aid; Dallas County extends stay-at-home order
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas oil price plummets into the negatives as the coronavirus pandemic’s economic woes continue battering the state
It’s the lowest price for a barrel of crude since at least the 1980s and another sign, experts say, of rough economic times ahead — especially for Texas’ energy sector.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas utility regulators have programs to prevent shutoffs during the pandemic. But some Texans are falling through the cracks.
Although some counties have moratoriums on disconnections, in most of the state customers need to apply for the benefit.
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Coronavirus in Texas
As economic data lags, Texas reports 4.7% jobless rate for March
The figures predate the widespread business closures and layoffs that occurred in the wake of the pandemic. Analysts estimate the actual rate of jobless Texans is greater than 10%, which could be a record high.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas’ oil and gas regulators aren’t ready to cut production yet. They’re not even sure how it would work if they did.
The Railroad Commission, which oversees the state’s oil and gas industry, took more than 10 hours of testimony about whether the agency should lower production as the coronavirus lowers demand.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus in Texas: Hard-line conservatives want stay-at-home order relaxed; Paxton issues opinion on temporary tax exemption
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.
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Coronavirus in Texas
As oil price crisis grips the globe, small Texas producers feel the ripple effects
Plummeting demand and an international price dispute have forced Texas oil producers to begin shutting wells.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Someone says they have 2 million N95 masks for sale. The asking price is six times the usual cost.
As health care professionals beg for supplies to protect themselves from COVID-19 infection, a Texas company found a seller with at least 2 million masks and quietly offered them for sale at $6 each. Before the pandemic, they cost around $1.