News Release, Kansas Geological Survey, May 4, 2012 LAWRENCE--
Oil production in Kansas rose and natural gas production dropped
in 2011 as crude oil prices remained high and gas prices fell,
according to estimates from the Kansas Geological Survey at the
University of Kansas. Kansas oil production increased about 2.5
percent between the end of 2010 and the end of 2011, from
approximately 40.5 million barrels to 41.5 million barrels. Over
the same period natural gas production in the state was down 6.6
percent, from about 333.2 billion cubic feet (bcf) in 2010 to
311.6 bcf in 2011. "Except for 2009, the price of oil has
generally risen steadily from $25 per barrel in 2002 to $100 or
more per barrel today," said Survey geologist Lynn Watney.
"During that time, Kansas oil production has increased 24
percent." The cumulative value of the state's production
increased from an estimated $2.79 billion in 2010 to $3.5
billion in 2011. Higher oil prices have spurred increased
activity, particularly horizontal drilling,