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ND oil production declines slightly – again

Eloise Ogden/MDN North Dakota oil production declined slightly based on new numbers released this week by the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources.

BISMARCK – North Dakota oil production decreased slightly again according to new numbers released by the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources on Tuesday.

In January the state produced more than 1.42 million barrels of oil a day compared to 1.47 million barrels of oil a day in December.

The state reached a milestone of producing 1.5 million barrels of oil a day in October but during recent months oil production has declined slightly. The numbers normally are about two months behind.

In January the state also produced 93.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas. In December the state produced 94.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas.

As of Tuesday, the state had a count of 56 rigs actively drilling in the oil patch.

Lynn Helms, director of the Mineral Resources Department, said industry projects substantial reduction in rig count over the next three months. He said lower crude oil price, gas capture and competition for capital continue to put downward pressure on the rig count.

The state also had 16,000 (preliminary) producing wells in January.

Fort Berthold Reservation produced 358,903 barrels of oil. Thirteen rigs were actively drilling and there were 2,394 active wells.

Helms said the number of well completions has begun to fall due to oil price, weather and gas capture. Drilling permit activity has slowed down due to oil price and gas capture, Helms also said.

In January 1,024 wells in the state were waiting on completion. Sixty-one wells were permitted in January.

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