October 2021
Global leaders have made it clear that they want to transition away from hydrocarbons to address their concerns about climate change, but sharp increases in energy prices and, in some regions actual energy shortages, in the latter half of 2021 are compelling some to at least temporarily reverse course and increase their reliance on fossil fuels. According to a recent report form the United Nations, “The world’s governments plan to produce more than double the amount of fossil fuels in 2030, with just a modest decrease in coal production.” There are many factors that have contributed to this development, but I would suggest that one of the catalysts for the situation at the end of 2021 very well could have been the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.
In a nutshell, the disruption in miles traveled and fuel consumption was acute, causing a sharp decline immediately followed by a relatively quick recovery in demand. The energy sector took a significant economic hit and one might expect the resumption of demand would inspire increased production. But in the shadow of global political priorities indicating that traditional energy shall be phased out, energy companies may be less motivated to ramp up production despite higher prices and increased demand (compounding this is increased scrutiny from investors to be more diligent about financial returns). This presents a conundrum for leaders – carbon policies they are pursuing may be dissuading energy production at a time when energy prices are creating adverse economic conditions for constituents. But it does not have to be all or nothing – reducing emissions and protecting consumers are not mutually exclusive priorities.
Unfortunately, as too often happens in situations like these leaders feel they have to choose – should they stay with their carbon mitigation policies or should they reverse course to mitigate energy prices, which often impose serious political repercussions on politicians. So it seems appropriate to resurrect The Clash hit, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” Released in 1982 on the album Combat Rock, which also featured the hit “Rock the Casbah” (see the May 2019 edition of The Commute), the song includes a lyric that really fits the current situation:
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go, there will be trouble
And if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know
To understand the suggestion that COVID served as a catalyst to today’s market situation, let’s take a look at the data.
The Hit to the Gut
If we look at the first quarter of 2020, the experience was certainly shocking. In the first month (April) following the issuance of general stay at home orders, U.S. total miles traveled dropped 25% and brought the first quarter drop in miles traveled to 34%. But the market recovered relatively quickly, at least compared to the beginning of the year. By July 2020, total vehicle miles traveled and overall gasoline demand had recovered significantly to exceed January’s total.
When compared to 2019, however, the recovery was not as strong. Year over year, gasoline demand in July remained 9% below same month in 2019 and miles traveled remained nearly 30% below the prior year. Fast forward to summer 2021, however, and miles traveled and gasoline demand were on par with summer 2019. Oil prices, however, represented a very different story.
It’s always tease tease tease
You’re happy when I’m on my knees
One day it’s fine and next it’s black
So if you want me off your back
Well, come on and let me know
Should I stay or should I go?
A One-Sided Recovery
Without a doubt, the impact of the COVID shut down was immediate and severe and showed up in the price of oil. Monthly average West Texas Intermediate crude oil spot prices dropped 71% in the first quarter. Daily prices plummeted from a high (at market close) of $62.70 on January 7 to -$36.98 on April 20, the first time the market traded at negative values. Yet, as demand and travel began to recover the production and supply of oil did not keep pace. Following the precipitous drop in prices in 2020, by March 2021 oil prices had recovered to pre-pandemic levels and have continued to climb until passing the $80 per barrel mark in October. Why?
A review of domestic production statistics provides some insight. After dropping 20% in May 2020 compared to 2019, crude oil production has recovered slightly. For the first seven months in 2021, production was only off 2019 levels by 8%. Yet, that 8% is significant when compounded with the impact of the prior year which was also down 8%. The result is an oil market deficit with supplies in July 2021 trailing 2019 by nearly 2.5%. This may not seem like much, but it was enough to help drive prices to current levels. Meanwhile, domestic oil and natural gas rigs in production remain 37% below pre-pandemic levels. Again, one might ask – why? And that is when we look to governments.
Darling, you got to let me know
Should I stay or should I go?
If you say that you are mine
I’ll be here ’till the end of time
So you got to let me know
Should I stay or should I go?
The Global Leaders’ Conundrum
Consider if you were engaged in crude oil production. When the pandemic hit, the economic impact it had your business was staggering. If you were able to hang in there and survive, the inconsistent policies affecting the global recovery provided no certainty regarding the future of your business. While ground travel seems to have recovered domestically, air travel is not projected to return to “normal” until 2022 or 2023. Meanwhile, although prices have recovered and provided essential income to help stabilize your business, the messages you are receiving from the government about the future demand for your product create even greater uncertainty regarding potential returns on additional production.
World leaders have declared that the path to address climate change is to move away from petroleum. Governments overseeing more than 50% of the global automotive market have declared their intent to ban sales of combustion engine vehicles within the next 20 years. Domestically, President Biden signed an executive order setting the goal of displacing 50% of combustion engine sales by 2030. Meanwhile, investors are moving funds away from hydrocarbon investments and the increasing pressure of environment, social and governance policies are rendering oil companies personae non gratae. Where is the motivation to increase production? Even Saudi Arabia said no thank you to global requests to boost production.
Governments throughout the developed world have made it clear that they see a different future for transportation and that the energy that facilitated economic prosperity must be replaced. Yet, they now face a very difficult dilemma.
Higher prices at the pump accelerate the economic competitiveness of electric vehicles, yet they impose a disproportionately negative impact on lower income consumers who may not be able to afford higher fuel prices or a new vehicle, be it combustion or electric. How will leaders balance encouraging a market evolution to address their climate concerns while protecting the financial viability of consumers and preserving equitable access to affordable and reliable transportation?
This indecision’s bugging me (Esta indecisión me molesta)
If you don’t want me, set me free (Si no me quieres, librarme)
Exactly whom I’m supposed to be (Dígame que tengo ser)
Don’t you know which clothes even fit me? (Sabes que ropa me “quedrá”?)
Come on and let me know (Me tienes que decir)
Should I cool it or should I blow? (Me debo ir o quedarme?)
A Path Forward
The answer must be found in a more dynamic approach to carbon mitigation than simply banning combustion engines and promoting zero emissions vehicles. The reality is, even if electric vehicles were the best solution, the transition will take decades. In the meantime, affordable transportation is the backbone of economic growth. Leaders must adopt a more comprehensive view of the transportation sector, identify solutions that fit specific vehicle duty cycles and achieve emissions reductions in the most affordable manner possible.
Addressing carbon emissions and protecting consumers are not mutually exclusive objectives, but they require more complex approaches than fit within a sound byte, a headline or a stump speech. Here is hoping that those developing such program appreciate the complexity and take their responsibility seriously, that they reach out to the energy market leaders to engage in solutions that make sustainable (environmental and economic) sense.