North Dakota Crude Output Rises as Drilling Activity and Prices Support Growth

North Dakota's crude oil production is expected to continue its upward trend in August and beyond, fueled by sustained drilling activity and robust crude prices. According to the state Department of Mineral Resources, output rose marginally by 1,846 barrels per day to an average of 1.157 million bpd in July.

The state's active rig count remained unchanged at 34 in September, while North Dakota recorded nine active hydraulic fracturing crews and a record 20,072 producing wells in July. Justin Kringstad, executive director of the Pipeline Authority, suspects August will be a stronger month than July due to activity levels and pricing.

State regulators also noted strong activity among workover rigs, which are mobile units used for well maintenance and remediation. This suggests additional wells could be brought online in the coming months as operators move quickly to get them on production.