Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota's top energy regulator says he's still bullish on the state's oil outlook despite slipping crude prices.
State Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms says North Dakota crude was fetching $41.75 a barrel in one market on Friday.
Helms says most of the state's oil drillers are getting at least 5 to 10 percent above that posted price, which is the lowest for North Dakota crude since 2009.
Helms says he expects oil prices to rebound in the long term but the state could see less drilling over the next several months.