This week's Headlines comes from DUG Rockies in Denver where Whiting Petroleum’s president and CEO, Brad Holly, said during his opening keynote that his company is looking at exiting the D-J Basin and focusing on the Bakken. 

ConocoPhillips, Shell, Total and Hess Corp. benefitted from higher oil prices and production growth in the first quarter. Service giants Schlumberger and Halliburton overcame North American operation challenges and write-offs of Venezuela investment to post gains over last year.

And about those oil prices, Brent set a three year high this week. Will it get to $75 again?

Sources:

• DUG Rockies: Whiting’s Aim To Be Pure-Play Bakken
• Halliburton Posts 1Q Gain Despite Operational Challenges
• Shell, Total Results Buoyed By Higher Oil Prices
• ConocoPhillips Up On Stronger Profits, Production Growth
• Oil Rises As Concern Heats Up Over Iran Sanctions, Venezuelan Output