Bloomberg (November 17, 2021) – Bloomberg. Oil companies spent $191.7 million buying drilling rights in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, during a robust government auction that underscored the industry’s appetite for new crude as the White House seeks to shifts the U.S. away from fossil fuels. Analysts said bidding was driven by interest in lower-carbon crude from the Gulf of Mexico as well as uncertainty about the timing and conditions of future sales, which are expected to come with higher fees and stringent requirements. Note: The Hill, CNBC, S&P Global, World Oil, AP, US News, NPR, Newsweek, Boston Globe and NOLA.com also report.