North Dakota Oil Output Sees Sustained Momentum Ahead of August

North Dakota's oil production is expected to rise in August, fueled by sustained drilling activity and strong crude prices. The state Department of Mineral Resources announced this week that output rose marginally by 1,846 barrels per day in July, reaching an average of 1.157 million bpd.

'Given activity levels and pricing, I suspect August will be a stronger month versus July,' said Justin Kringstad, executive director of North Dakota's Pipeline Authority.

The state's active rig count remains steady at 34, with most newly deployed rigs reactivated from idle status within North Dakota or moved in from neighboring Montana. State regulators also noted strong activity among workover rigs across western North Dakota, suggesting additional wells could be brought online soon.

US crude futures for March delivery are trading near $82 a barrel, and while producers expect oil prices to remain relatively strong, Kringstad cautioned that forecasting crude prices remains difficult.