The number of rigs in active service in North Dakota, the No. 2 U.S. oil producer, declined from last week despite the recovery in crude oil markets. State data show 35 rigs in active service in the shale-rich state, down nearly 8 percent from the 38 recorded one week ago. The all-time low point is zero and the current rig count is 70 percent lower than one year ago and 83 percent below a recent peak of 204 posted March 7, 2012. Lower crude oil prices mean energy companies have designated less capital for exploration and production activity during the first quarter. Continental Resources, […]