US oil producers could see a $63.4 billion windfall this year as crude prices surge following the Iran conflict, according to energy research firm Rystad. Investment bank Jefferies estimates American producers will generate an extra $5 billion in cash flow this month alone, with prices rising roughly 47% since the conflict began on February 28.

While shale companies benefit from elevated prices, the situation is more complex for major international oil companies. ExxonMobil and Chevron, along with European rivals BP, Shell, and TotalEnergies, face production shutdowns in the Gulf region. Shell declared force majeure on LNG cargoes from QatarEnergy's Ras Laffan plant, and production has been halted at several facilities where these companies hold equity stakes.

The crisis has triggered mixed market reactions. Shares in Norway's Equinor have outperformed other Western majors since it has no Middle East exposure, while BP and Shell's shares jumped 11% and 9% respectively as investors bet on trading profits from price volatility. Analysts note that companies without significant Middle East exposure stand to benefit most from sustained higher prices.