The world’s biggest international oil and gas firms are accelerating layoffs this year in search of further cost cuts and greater efficiency amid industry consolidation, weaker oil prices, and technology advances. Big Oil promised investors efficiency and cost savings last year, when oil prices normalized from the highs of $100 per barrel in 2022 that brought windfall profits to the industry in 2022 and 2023. Earnings “normalized” in 2024 and have trended lower from the prior years so far in 2025, prompting the top…