BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota has set an oil production
record for the fifth consecutive year.
     The state Department of Mineral Resources said Tuesday that
crude production through September totaled more than 173.9 million
barrels. That’s up from the record 152.9 million barrels set last
year.
     Agency spokeswoman Alison Ritter says the state is on pace to
surpass 200 million barrels in 2012.
     North Dakota Petroleum Council President Ron Ness called the
state’s oil output “remarkable.” He says crude from western North
Dakota’s oil patch is fueling refineries across the country.

     North Dakota is the nation’s No. 2 oil producer, behind Texas.
     The U.S. Department of Energy says North Dakota accounts for
about 12 percent of total U.S. crude production. That’s up from 1
percent less than five years ago.