Random Post On State Of The Bakken Relative To Recent Mainstream Media Stories -- November 6, 2015

A string of links that are of interest as we end the week. Let's start with this one:

Apache -- From Reuters/Rigzone, November 5, 2015:

Apache Corp reported a much smaller-than-expected quarterly loss and joined a growing list of US oil producers in raising full-year production forecast even as many of them cut spending. 

Increased efficiencies, a drop in service costs and low break-even levels in core US shale fields are all helping US oil companies increase production on reduced budgets. 

US producers ranging from Oasis Petroleum to Devon Energy have forecast higher production in their latest quarterly reports. 

Then, this one from Forbes that says less than 1% of the Bakken is viable at these prices: Only 1% of the Bakken play breaks even at current oil prices.

Then this upbeat report from SM Energy drilling Divide County in North Dakota: This is a most interesting and unexpected story. The Dickinson Press is reporting that SM Energy has opened a new Williston office complex; located north of Williston.

Indonesia: And then this Reuters/Rigzone story on Indonesia:

Indonesia's state-owned energy firm Pertamina plans to process more domestic crude oil in a bid to limit the impact on the country of declining production, a plight that is also affecting oil-rich neighbours Malaysia and Brunei.

All three countries, which rely heavily on energy revenues, are running out of oil. Reuters research based on government, industry and consultancy data shows they could run dry within the next 25 years.

Number of new permits issued by the state (North Dakota) so far this year. On November 5 for each of the following years, the number of oil and gas permits issued (does not include permits for salt water disposal wells). The numbers may be off, but not by much:

• 2015: 1856
• 2014: 2555
• 2013: 2254
• 2012: 2197