tankeroilcarBISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A slight uptick in the number of drill rigs in North Dakota fueled some optimism on the opening day of the state’s annual oil conference but a top industry official warned that production likely will be flat through the year.
 
     The number of rigs drilling in western North Dakota’s oil patch increased by three to 28 on Tuesday, the opening day of the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference and Expo. About 2,500 people attended the conference that brings together engineers, geologists, investors, CEOs and government officials. 
 
     North Dakota Petroleum Council President Ron Ness says producers need the price of oil to jump about $12 a barrel to $60 and hold there for a few months before there is any significant turnaround in drilling activity in the state.