ExxonMobil and Chevron, the largest American energy companies, said on Friday that their earnings in the first quarter fell from a year earlier, pulled down by lower refining margins and plunging natural gas prices.
But the oil and gas business remains highly profitable for the two giants even at a time of moderate oil prices.
ExxonMobil said that earnings were $8.2 billion in the quarter, compared with $11.4 billion in the same period a year earlier.
Their earnings were also hurt by falling prices for natural gas, a key fuel that is used in heating and industry.
Natural gas prices, which soared after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, have fallen sharply as markets adjusted.
Organizations:
ExxonMobil, Chevron
Locations:
Ukraine