The days of relentless production growth from U.S. shale oil fields are ending, potentially aiding OPEC’s yearslong effort to drain a worldwide supply glut, according to industry pioneers Scott Sheffield and Mark Papa.

The almost relentless thrust that has doubled crude output from the Permian Basin in three years is showing some signs of waning.

The U.S. oil industry is delivering a one-two punch to Middle East producers already reeling from a collapse in prices. A tussle is playing out in the market for so-called light oils, which have a lower sulfur content and are less dense than heavier varieties.

These are boom times in West Texas. Across the state, the robust shale industry is providing a lift to local economies and trucking companies that serve the region. It’s also a microcosm for the trucking industry overall when it comes to finding drivers to keep the wheels of growth turning.

A $4.6 billion shale gas pipeline that already has been delayed by about a year is facing another setback after a court vacated a key permit.

U.S. oil and gas producers expect their borrowing ability to increase over the next few months, leaving them open to invest in new shale assets, particularly the Eagle Ford in Texas.

When the price of oil collapsed in 2014 and disrupted drilling operations all across Texas’ massive Permian Basin shale formation, truckers were among those hardest hit.

Oil extended the longest run of gains in six months after U.S. shale explorers paused a record drilling expansion in a sign the boom may be slowing down.