North Dakota drilling costs have fallen by half since 2014 Exit of other explorers ‘creates some opportunity,’ CEO says Oasis Petroleum Inc.’s double-down on North Dakota’s Bakken oilfields shows the rapid drop in U.S. drilling costs can make a case for even the ugly ducklings of American shale plays. While most explorers are running to more profitable plays like the Permian Basin in West Texas, Oasis on Tuesday said it’s been able to cut Bakken well costs by half over the past two years. That and its existing infrastructure in the region mean the Bakken still makes economic sense, even if others are leaving, Chief Executive Officer Thomas Nusz said during a conference call. “We have talked for years about the benefits of large, contiguously operated blocks and now we have that,” Nusz told analysts on the call. “What you’re seeing is some portfolio shift and that may create […]