North Dakota Oil Production Dips Slightly in May Amid Improved Completion Activity

North Dakota's oil production dipped slightly in May, reaching 34.9 million barrels for the month or about 1.125 million barrels per day. This represents a 1.44% decline from April and a 2.2% drop below the state's revenue forecast.

The Department of Mineral Resources Director Nathan Anderson said that lower production reflects reduced drilling and completion activity during the first quarter, but recent data points to improving conditions.

Anderson noted that the number of completions has increased slightly, while drilling permits remained steady at 85 in June. Average lateral lengths reached about 13,500 feet, with more than two-thirds of new wells extending beyond three miles.