Two hundred wells were drilled in New York during 1987, a 4% increase from 1986. Twenty-five oil wells and 157 gas wells were completed in existing fields.

Four exploratory wells were drilled in 1987. These consisted of an extension to a Medina gas field in Cattaraugus County, a shallower pool Lockport discovery in Cayuga County, a shallower pool Upper Devonian sandstone discovery in Chautauqua County, and a dry Oriskany-Helderberg wildcat in Tioga County.

Oil production in 1987 was 710,307 bbl. The preliminary figure for gas production is 29,000 mmcf. The average price for New York crude oil during 1987 was $17.46/bbl, and the estimated average wellhead price paid for gas was $1.95/mcf.

In 1987, 30 crew-weeks of reflection seismic work were accomplished in New York.

Overall drilling may decline in 1988. However, exploratory drilling is expected to increase. Continued low prices being paid for oil and gas are making it increasingly difficult for the New York oil and gas industry to survive.