Oil prices have streaked upward in North Dakota’s Bakken Shale as production has hit a winter lull, according to the state’s Department of Mineral Resources (DMR).

DMR Director Lynn Helms in the monthly production report for January, which was issued on Thursday, said oil production was down about 4% month/month (m/m) to 35.5 million bbl (1.14 million b/d) from 36.9 million bbl (1.19 million b/d).

Natural gas production dropped by 1.4% m/m to 88.1 Bcf (2.84 Bcf/d) from 89.5 Bcf (2.88 Bcf/d).

“The Bakken continues to get more gassy as time goes on, and that is something we have anticipated,” said Helms. He also noted there is a growing difference between oil and gas figures.

The state’s rig count jumped up to 15 in February from 12 in January. 

The state’s...