Workers at a well in the Bakken
Rising Bakken gas output an opportunity, not a threat
The formation’s gas-to-oil ratio is set to keep rising, but new markets and midstream plans mean infrastructure constraints may not be an issue
Bakken gas production has grown significantly over the past several years despite relatively stagnant oil output from the formation due to a rising gas-to-oil ratio (GOR). “New wells being drilled in the Bakken are not yielding more gas than prior vintages,” Amber McCullagh, vice-president of midstream research at consultancy Rystad Energy, told Petroleum Economist. “On a single-well basis, Bakken gas-oil ratios have been stable over the last 6–8 years, with a new well producing 25—30% as much gas as it does oil in its first year of production.” “However, each individual well, in the Bakken and other plays, sees gas comprise a rising share of its wellhead volumes over time. In the Bakken, wh
Also in this section
21 February 2025
While large-scale planned LNG schemes in sub-Saharan Africa have faced fresh problems, FLNG projects are stepping into that space
20 February 2025
Greater social mobility means increased global demand for refined fuels and petrochemical products, with Asia leading the way in the expansion of refining capacity
19 February 2025
The EU would do well to ease its gas storage requirements to avoid heavy purchase costs this summer, with the targets having created market distortion while giving sellers a significant advantage over buyers
18 February 2025
Deliveries to China decline by around 1m b/d from move to curb crude exports to Shandong port, putting Iran under further economic pressure
