North Dakota exceeded its monthly production level projections for April, but it may be losing its bragging rights to New Mexico as the second largest oil producing state.

Oil production was up 1% in April month/month to 33.6 million bbl, or 1.126 million b/d. Natural gas output grew at a 3.1% rate to 88.89 Bcf, or 2.96 Bcf/d. Gas output running ahead of oil production carries some longer term impact on gas capture, said Department of Mineral Resources director Lynn Helms. 

“At best we’re in a foot race for second with New Mexico, and at worst, they’ve replaced us, and that is an interesting development in terms of where North Dakota and the Bakken sit.”

The Energy Information Administration reported Monday that New Mexico, which shares a prolific slice of the Permian...