In its annual survey of more than 250 oil and gas professionals, consultancy Deloitte found that 59% of respondents believe the recovery already has begun or will begin in 2017.
Executives see expectations of rising prices, as well as a return to increasing capital expenditures and headcount as evidence that a recovery is around the corner.
"This recovery in many ways mimics the pattern of the recovery from the Great Recession," said John England, vice chairman of Deloitte US & Americas oil and gas team.
