![On a recent spring day, the rig was drilling three new wells at a site that already hosts three of WPXís 248 working wells in North Dakota. Each of the six wells will reach down 2 miles, then veer horizontally for another 2 miles, the signature pattern of shale oil fracking.] With the downturn, much of the industryís expensive fleet of rigs were idled. But sensing a recovery, WPX added a rig to drill for oil in 2017 .Richard Tsong-Taatariiïrichard.tsong-taatarii@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/CHJL4WFCVK6QMRISAY4F575PRE.jpg?&w=1080)
North Dakota's oil production saw a 5.4 percent increase from March to April and is close to a record set during the oil boom in 2014.
The second-largest oil-producing state, North Dakota pumped out 1.22 million barrels per day in April, about 2,500 barrels shy of the state's high-water mark, according to state data released Friday.
"We were not expecting that kind of production until late May or early June," Lynn Helms, director of North Dakota's Department of Mineral Resources, said in a conference call with reporters.
Natural-gas production in North Dakota was even stronger in April, increasing 5.7 percent and setting a new monthly record.
U.S. oil output generally has been robust this year. Global economic growth has been relatively strong, underpinning oil demand. Meanwhile, oil prices have been rising, increasing potential profits for oil producers.
In May, West Texas Intermediate — the benchmark U.S. crude price — topped $70 a barrel, hitting heights not seen in over three years. However, prices have retrenched in the past three weeks, dropping again Friday by more than $2 and closing at $64.37 barrel. Russia and some members of OPEC — which meets next week in Vienna — have signaled they want to increase output.
North Dakota officials expect strong oil production this summer, with the 2014 monthly output record falling at some point. Still, the state is grappling with structural constraints on production.
Oilfields in North Dakota and much of the country are short of workers, as a strong economy has tightened labor markets.
