Bakken Rig Count Holds at 22 Amid High Oil Prices

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 22 as of Monday, April 13, 2026, according to Bakken Wire data. The stability in the rig count, coupled with oil prices trading firmly above $97 per barrel, points to a continuation of measured production levels from the Bakken formation in the near term.

The current West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude price is $97.87, up $1.30 from the previous close. The international Brent crude benchmark is at $97.86, a gain of $2.66. Natural gas is priced at $2.62 per MMBtu. The sustained high price environment provides a supportive backdrop for operator economics in the Williston Basin.

The rig count is a closely watched leading indicator for future oil production. Historically, a stable or increasing rig count suggests operators are maintaining or expanding drilling programs, which typically leads to sustained or growing output several months later. Conversely, a declining rig count often foreshadows a production downturn.

The current count of 22 rigs represents a fraction of the historic peak seen during the Bakken boom but has shown relative consistency in recent quarters. This level of activity is generally sufficient to maintain North Dakota's production at a plateau, offsetting the steep decline rates from existing wells with new output from recently drilled wells.

For Bakken operators, the combination of a stable operational footprint and strong revenue per barrel supports continued capital discipline and targeted development of core acreage. The high prices help mitigate cost pressures and can improve cash flow for both producers and royalty owners.

The outlook suggests North Dakota's oil production is likely to remain near current levels, barring a significant shift in commodity prices or operator strategy. Market observers will watch for any changes in the rig count in the coming weeks for signals about the trajectory of output into the second half of 2026.