For the third week in a row, state data show the number of rigs actively exploring for or producing oil and natural gas in North Dakota declined. A metric that offers a loose picture of the level of confidence for energy companies, rig counts across North America have increased along with crude oil prices. State data for North Dakota, however, show 32 rigs in service as of Monday , one less last week for third straight week of decline. North Dakota in June, the last full month for which state data are available, posted an average rig count of 28, one higher than the state average in May. The rig count statewide, however, is down 84 […]