Chevron turns a profit but warns of pain ahead

Chevron turned a profit in the first quarter. But the company warned its financial picture is likely to be depressed in the future because of reduced demand caused by the coronavirus.

The San Ramon, California-based oil producer brought in USD 3.6 billion in profits, up 36 per cent from the same time last year.

CEO Michael Wirth says the growth was driven by margins in its refining business and increased production in the Permian Basin.

But the boost was also driven by the sale of upstream assets in the Philippines, favourable tax items and foreign currency effects which together totalled USD 1.2 billion. Revenues were down 10 per cent to USD 31.5 billion.

The price of US benchmark crude has fallen nearly 70 per cent since the start of the year, forcing oil companies to reign in drilling plans.

Chevron reduced its capital expenditure budget to as low as USD 14 billion.