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Why is the Woodside share price in the red today?

We check what weighed on the oil and gas operator's shares today.

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Monica O'Shea
Monica is a journalist with experience working for Daily Mail Australia in Sydney and the Port Pirie Recorder and the Flinders News in South Australia. Monica completed a journalism cadetship in 2013. She also hold a B.Science (Biotechnology) with Honours from the University of Adelaide. Monica has worked in government at the local, state and federal level. Monica has a keen interest in finance and the share market and enjoys exploring the highs and lows. When not writing for Motley Fool Australia, Monica enjoys travel, sport, music, and likes to play the violin in her spare time.
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Key points
  • Woodside shares dropped more than 3% today 
  • Oil prices in US markets fell amid fears of a US Federal Reserve rate hike 
  • The ASX 200 energy index also finished in the red today 

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price finished in the red today.

The energy giant's shares fell 3.09% to close at $31.97 each. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) descended 1.27% today.

So why did the Woodside Energy share price have such a tough day?

Close up of a miner wearing a hard hat with a solemn look on his face, with an oil drill in the background.

Image source: Getty Images

Energy shares slide

Woodside shares dropped today but they were not alone among oil producers. The Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price slumped 3.13% while Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares slipped nearly 1%. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) also fell 2.41% today.

Oil prices in the US slumped overnight amid fears of a US Federal Reserve interest rate hike.

In comments cited by Reuters, Again Capital LLC partner John Kilduff suggested these interest rate fears are impacting oil prices. He said:

This fear of an even greater basis point hike is driving down equities and oil.

The US Senate Finance Committee chair Ron Wyden is also planning to introduce a law targeting a 21% tax on excess profits of oil and gas companies earning more than $1 billion of revenue per year, the publication reported.

Brent crude oil futures dropped 0.9% to $1.21.17 a barrel in US markets overnight. However, oil prices have since recovered, with Brent crude oil up 0.29% to $121.52 a barrel. However, Tokyo crude oil is still down 2.11%.

In recent news, Woodside has worked with industry associates to develop a new offshore caisson cleaning and inspection tool (CCAIT system). This enables remote inspection of pivotal equipment on offshore platforms. Executive vice president technical services Daniel Kalms said:

The CCAIT system removes the costs of mobilising tools from international locations, including the cost of delay in fractured supply chains. These can represent up to 50% of the total cost of an inspection campaign.

Woodside share price snapshot

The Woodside share price has risen more than 35% in the past year, while it is up more than 46% year to date.

For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) has returned around 20% in the past year.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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