March 6 (Reuters) - U.S. oil and natural gas producer Chevron Corp said it expects to increase its free cash flow this year onwards, putting it in a position to resume its share buyback program.

Statoil has plenty of growth opportunities left in North Dakota's Bakken shale formation, an executive says.

HOUSTON, March 6 (Reuters) - Statoil ASA, the Norwegian state-controlled oil producer, has plenty of growth opportunities left in North Dakota's Bakken shale formation, an executive said on Tuesday.

Crude slipped after industry data showed US crude stockpiles rose by more than expected last week.

(Bloomberg) -- Crude slipped after industry data showed U.S.

Pemex might bring partners into two heavy crude oilfields in the Gulf's shallow waters, the company's chief says.

HOUSTON, March 6 (Reuters) - Mexico's state-run Pemex might bring partners into two heavy crude oilfields in the Gulf's shallow waters, the company's chief said on Tuesday, a move that could help ease a lack of heavy barrels in the Atlantic basin.

March 6 (Reuters) - Oil major Chevron Corp said on Tuesday it should be able to raise oil rig flanges gulf coast production as planned by between 4 and 7 percent in 2018 and buy back shares for the first time in at least three years even without a substantial rise in oil prices.

Investment uptick in Libya is unlikely until more substantial political progress is made, analysts say.

Total’s recent acquisition of Marathon Oil Libya Limited is a sign of gradual improvement in investor sentiment towards Libya, but a larger uptick in investment in the country is unlikely until more substantial political progress is made.

LONDON, March 5 (Reuters) - London-listed SOCO International said on Monday it had ended merger talks with Kuwait Energy <IPO-KEC.L> after failing to agree terms.