Aggregate and well-level data show magnitude and drivers of North Dakota's declining crude oil production (8/12/2020)

The sharp decline in petroleum demand caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and efforts to contain it has led to a similarly significant decline in the supply of petroleum in the second quarter 2020 and, by extension, crude oil production, both internationally and domestically. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), total U.S. crude oil production declined by 21.9% between December 2019 and May 2020, with the Federal Offshore Gulf of Mexico falling by 18.2%, Alaska by 16.0%, and the Lower 48 states (excluding North Dakota) by 19.4% (Figure 1). Although significant production declines were reported throughout much of the United States, North Dakota's reduction is particularly notable given its speed and severity; the state's production experienced a 41.6% decline between December 2019 and May 2020. ... More »