BISMARCK – North Dakota reached a new all-time high in natural gas production in July, according to Lynn Helms, director of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources.

That month the state produced 3,289,759 million cubic feet a day (MCF) or 101,982,539 MCF of natural gas. In June, the state produced 3,247,513 MCF a day or 97,425,398 MCF of natural gas.

The state also had a new all-time high of 18,179 (preliminary number) of producing wells. In June, the state had 18,101 producing wells.

North Dakota produced 1,180,611 barrels of oil a day or 36,598,950 barrels of oil in July. In June, the state produced 1,166,604 barrels of oil a day or 34,998,134 total barrels.

The oil and gas numbers released on Thursday are normally about two months behind.

As of Thursday, 33 rigs were actively working in the state.

In July, 419 wells were waiting on completions.

In August, 87 wells were permitted and 91 (preliminary number) wells were completed.

According to the new report, on the Fort Berthold Reservation, 130,512 barrels of oil a day were produced in July. Five rigs were actively drilling. The reservation has 2,656 active wells and 26 waiting on completion. There are 159 drilling permits approved. The reservation has the potential for 3,896 future wells.

“The drilling rig count remains low due to workforce, mergers and acquisitions but is expected to return to the mid-40s with a gradual increase expected over the next two years,” said Helms.

He said there are 21 frac crews active in the state.

“Saudi Arabia announced unilateral oil production cuts amounting to 1 million barrels per day (bpd) making the OPEC+ total cut 4.7 million bpd until the end of the year. Russia sanctions, China economic activity, looming recessions and shifting crude oil supply chains continue to create significant price volatility,” Helms said.