North Slope Oil Production Dips in January

Alaska's North Slope crude output down 1% from December, 3.4% year-over-year

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Alaska North Slope oil production averaged 472,413 barrels per day in January, down 1% from the prior month and 3.4% lower than January 2025. Crude oil accounted for 89.06% of the total, with the largest month-over-month declines seen at the Prudhoe Bay, Milne, and Colville River fields.

Why it matters

North Slope oil production is a key economic driver for Alaska, providing revenue for the state government and jobs for local communities. Fluctuations in output can impact the state's budget and economy.

The details

The 1% month-over-month decline in North Slope production was driven by decreases at several major fields, including Prudhoe Bay, Milne, and Colville River. However, the Greater Mooses Tooth field saw a major increase in output during the same period. Overall crude oil accounted for 89.06% of the 472,413 barrels per day produced on the North Slope in January.

  • North Slope production averaged 472,413 barrels per day in January 2026.
  • This was down 1%, or 4,751 barrels per day, from the December 2025 average of 477,164 barrels per day.
  • Production was also down 3.4% from the January 2025 average of 489,022 barrels per day.

The players

North Slope

The North Slope is a major oil-producing region in northern Alaska, encompassing several large oil fields including Prudhoe Bay, Milne, and Colville River.

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The takeaway

The dip in North Slope oil production highlights the volatility in Alaska's key industry and the state's reliance on energy revenues. Maintaining stable output levels is crucial for the state's economic health and fiscal stability.