Bakken Rig Count Holds at 21 as XTO Energy Removes One Drilling Unit

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's oil fields held steady at 21 on Tuesday, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The count was unchanged from the prior day's total, though one rig was taken offline.

The sole rig removed from the count was an XTO Energy Inc. unit operating in Williams County. The H & P 429 rig was released from location 154-95-7, Bakken Wire data shows. No new rigs were added and no rigs were reported to have moved locations on Tuesday.

The current fleet of 21 rigs represents a decline from recent activity levels. Compared to one week ago, on May 12, 2026, the active rig count is down by two, from 23. The count is also down by one rig from the total of 22 active one month ago, on April 19, 2026.

The gradual easing in drilling activity comes as operators continue to focus capital discipline and operational efficiency in the Bakken formation, the state's primary oil-producing region. Rig count is a leading indicator of future oil production, and a sustained level in the low 20s suggests a stable, though not expanding, pace of new well development.

The Williston Basin rig count is closely watched by service companies, royalty owners, and local economies for signs of changing investment by exploration and production companies. The current level remains significantly higher than the historic lows seen during industry downturns but below the peaks of previous boom cycles.

With no rigs added or moved on Tuesday, the composition of the active fleet remains concentrated among major operators. The removal of the XTO Energy rig highlights the ongoing adjustments individual companies make to their drilling programs within a broader, stable market environment.