The recent increasein oil prices could lead to the state government receiving $1.2 billion more than expected this year.
That’s according to a preliminary revenue forecast released by the state Department of Revenue on Friday. The final forecast will be made in December.
While the state forecast in March that oil would average $61 per barrel this year, the update forecasts it at $81.31. The current price is $85.50 per barrel.
The preliminary report also forecasts an increase in daily North Slope oil production of nearly 30,000 barrels this year, compared with the spring forecast.
But it forecasts a slight decline in production for the rest of the decade, compared with the spring. The state says that’s due to “increased uncertainty for large projects caused by federal litigation and financing issues.”