If state records are accurate when measured against industry data, the rig count in North Dakota gained significant ground after a weekend OPEC agreement. North Dakota, the No. 2 oil producer in the United States, serves as a relatively good metric to gauge industry sentiment as it provides rig numbers on a daily basis. Rig counts themselves provide a loose barometer as they indicate activity in the exploration and production side of the energy sector, though rig counts don’t necessarily equate to expected gains in output. Nevertheless, state data could indicate the appetite is building. State data show 40 rigs actively exploring for or producing oil and natural gas as of early Monday morning. If both sets of data are aligned, that would be a 25 percent increase over what oilfield services company Baker Hughes reported Friday . There may be discrepancies as […]