Aug. 27 — Oil drillers are burning excess natural gas to keep the crude oil flowing. Natural gas is mostly a byproduct of crude oil drilling in the Permian Basin. So the shortage of pipeline capacity to transport the gas to market has played a role in companies burning — or flaring — large amounts of natural gas to keep that roadblock from slowing oil production. State data and analysts’ reports show large increases in flaring permits and volumes in Texas. A similar situation happened — although with much larger percentages flared — several years ago in North Dakota. That prompted state regulators to rein in the practice. Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton said this summer he expects to address the situation within the next six months.

— Dallas Morning News