# Top Trends for 2026: Upstream leans into its core business as the energy-expansion agenda cements (Ep. 228)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/energycents-231593/top-trends-for-2026-upstream-leans-into-its-core-business-as-the-energy-expansion-agenda-cements-ep-228
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Podcast: [EnergyCents](https://stenobird.com/podcast/energycents-231593)
Published: 2026-01-22T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://3671a946-93e7-4b5e-9970-a632dbe13461.libsyn.com/top-trends-for-2026-upstream-leans-into-its-core-business-as-the-energy-expansion-agenda-cements-ep-228
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/3671a946-93e7-4b5e-9970-a632dbe13461/EnergyCents_Upstream_Themes.mp3?dest-id=4056072
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Duration seconds: 1919

## Resource

The global upstream sector will navigate increased cost pressures this year as it faces a well-supplied oil market. This expectation and four other key trends will direct the attention of E&P executives over the next 12 months, according to S&P Global Energy's recently released report, "Charting the Future: Top 5 trends shaping Upstream in 2026." S&P Global Energy Expert Nick Sharma joins hosts Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to discuss his team's top five trends to watch in global upstream in 2026. Access the full report here: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/special-reports/upstream/upstream-themes-2026#lore… Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

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