Bakken Rig Count Holds at 22 for Second Straight Day
The Williston Basin's drilling activity remains flat as broader North American rig counts continue a seven-week decline.
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's Bakken formation was unchanged Tuesday, holding at 22, according to Bakken Wire's live rig data. There were no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs that moved location since Monday's report.
The current level represents a decline from recent weeks. One week ago, on April 7, 2026, the state's active rig count stood at 25. Thirteen days ago, on April 1, the count was 23.
The static activity in the Bakken aligns with a continued downturn in the broader North American drilling market. According to Rigzone, North America dropped 10 rigs week on week, marking the seventh consecutive weekly decline in the region's rotary rig count as reported by Baker Hughes.
A rig count of 22 in the Bakken, a primary oil-producing region within the Williston Basin, reflects a cautious operational tempo among producers. The rig count is a key leading indicator for future oil production and service sector activity.
The sequential declines over the past two weeks suggest operators are maintaining disciplined capital spending. The stability over the past 48 hours, however, could indicate a potential near-term floor for activity at this level.
The broader seven-week decline in North American rigs, as reported by Baker Hughes and cited by Rigzone, points to industry-wide pressures that may include volatile commodity prices, inflationary cost environments, or a strategic shift by public operators toward shareholder returns over aggressive growth.
For North Dakota, sustained rig activity is critical for maintaining production levels and supporting the state's oilfield service sector and royalty owners. The current count remains significantly below the peaks seen during previous boom cycles but is consistent with a period of moderated growth.
Market watchers will monitor whether the Bakken rig count stabilizes around the low-20s or if the broader continental downward trend exerts further pressure on drilling programs in the coming weeks.
Source
Bakken Wire live rig data, Rigzone
