North Dakota Oil Production Dips Slightly in January

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North Dakota oil companies produced 1.124 million barrels of oil per day in January, a slight decrease from 1.126 million barrels per day in December, according to the latest data from the Department of Mineral Resources. Despite oil prices hovering near $100 per barrel, which would typically spur new drilling, activity in the state remains virtually stagnant.

Why it matters

North Dakota is a major oil-producing state, and changes in its production levels can impact national and global energy markets. The state's steady production despite high prices suggests the industry is taking a cautious approach, likely due to factors like labor shortages and supply chain issues.

The details

The slight dip in January production comes as North Dakota has more than 2,800 inactive wells that officials believe could be reactivated this year if market conditions warrant further investment.

• North Dakota oil companies produced 1.124 million barrels per day in January 2026.
• In December 2025, production was 1.126 million barrels per day.

What’s next

Industry experts will be watching to see if North Dakota's oil production picks up in the coming months as companies decide whether to reactivate some of the state's thousands of inactive wells.