February Output Holds Steady as Statewide Gas Capture Hits 95.8%

North Dakota's oil production held steady in February, averaging 1.129 million barrels per day, according to the state's Department of Mineral Resources. The figure represents a slight increase from the 1.125 million bbl/d produced in January. Natural gas output also rose marginally to 3.392 billion cubic feet per day from 3.323 Bcf/d.

The Bakken and Three Forks formations accounted for 96.2% of the state's total oil production. McKenzie County remained the top-producing county with 32% of output, followed by Williams, Dunn, Mountrail, and Divide counties. Combined, these five counties contributed 96.2% of the state's oil.

The state's rig count increased by one from March to 26 active rigs as of April 21. Across the broader Williston Basin, which includes Montana, 28 rigs were active. Well completions totaled 55 in March, down from 60 in February and 63 in January. The number of drilling permits issued was 60 in both March and February, a drop from 73 in January.

The total number of producing wells increased by 171 month-over-month, while inactive wells rose by 37. Producing wells reached an all-time high of 19,625 in October 2025.

Gas flaring volumes showed significant improvement. The statewide flared volume decreased by 21.1 million cubic feet per day from January to February, landing at 136.5 MMcf/d. Consequently, the statewide gas capture rate increased to 95.8%, while the capture rate specifically for Bakken gas rose to 96%.

The Fort Berthold Reservation saw its oil production increase 2.9% in February to 146,829 barrels, up from 142,742 barrels in January. One rig was operating on the reservation, which had 138 active permits and 3,025 active wells.

Chord Energy led all producers in North Dakota for 2026 with an 18.5% share of output, according to the DMR report. Continental Resources followed at 15.2%, with ConocoPhillips (13.3%), Devon Energy Williston (10.5%), and Chevron (10.1%) rounding out the top five. Other major operators include Kraken Operating (5%), XTO Energy (4.5%), Petro-Hunt (3.5%), Phoenix Operating (3%), and Hunt Oil Co. (2.8%).