North Dakota natural gas and oil production declined slightly month/month in November, but more well completions are expected this year on “significantly better” oil prices.

north dakota production

Department of Mineral Resources director Lynn Helms noted that recent Bakken Shale sweet crude was trading at around $43.50/bbl, which should spur more well completions, but not high enough to increase the rig count.

During November, oil production was 36.7 million bbl (1.22 million b/d), compared to 38.1 million bbl (1.23 million b/d) in October. Natural gas production declined from October to 86.6 Bcf (2.887 Bcf/d) from 89.3 Bcf (2.881 Bcf/d).

A recent wind storm eliminated up to 75,000 b/d of oil production and well completions declined in December, but with wintry weather ahead “we’re probably...