U.S. shale companies, which kept pumping when the rest of the world cut back oil production, are in a strong position to benefit now that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is boosting its output. OPEC’s decision last week to increase production modestly is seen as an attempt to keep prices elevated without creating a spike. The move eased concerns among the member countries about tightening supply and the potential for a price spike, but it also lifted the stock prices of U.S. oil producers, which have learned to survive at whichever price OPEC pursues. “We’re not running our business based on what OPEC does regarding supply,” said Doug Lawler, chief executive of Chesapeake Energy Corp. , a pioneer of shale drilling. “We just have to respond accordingly and focus on the technology and the innovation that helps us be efficient regardless of the price.” U.S. production has […]