As of Monday, the number of rigs actively exploring for or producing oil and natural gas in North Dakota was lower for a second straight week, state data show. State data show 33 rigs actively exploring for or producing oil and gas as of Monday, one less than reported last week . Rig counts are a loose metric gauging optimism in the energy sector and state trends contrast with a market characterized last week by major gains in crude oil prices. For the seventh week in a row, oilfield services company Baker Hughes reported an increase in the North American rig count on signs the market rebound was gaining stability. Oil prices slumped below $30 per barrel this year, but are […]