Bakken Rig Count Holds at 26 Amid Modestly Higher Oil Prices

North Dakota's oil industry is holding steady as the active rig count remained at 26 on Friday, June 19, 2026, according to Bakken Wire's live data. The stability in drilling activity coincides with a modest rise in benchmark oil prices, providing a consistent backdrop for operators in the Williston Basin.

The price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose to $76.54 per barrel, an increase of 0.91%. The international Brent benchmark also gained, trading at $80.59. Bakken crude traded at a discount of $3.42 per barrel to WTI, putting the local price just above $73. Natural gas was priced at $3.20.

The current rig count of 26 serves as a key indicator for future production. Historically, the number of active drilling rigs is a leading indicator of oil production trends in the Bakken formation. A stable or increasing rig count typically signals that operators are continuing to invest in new wells, which will begin contributing to output several months later. Conversely, a declining rig count often foreshadows a future drop in production.

The current price environment, with WTI holding above $76, is generally considered supportive for Bakken operators to maintain, but not aggressively expand, drilling programs. The price is high enough to sustain profitable operations for many companies, particularly those focusing on core, high-productivity acreage. However, it may not be sufficient to trigger a significant wave of new rig deployments.

The steady rig count suggests that near-term North Dakota oil production is likely to remain flat. Operators are expected to continue completing wells from the existing inventory of drilled but uncompleted wells (DUCs) while replacing production with a measured pace of new drilling. This activity level is consistent with an industry focused on capital discipline and returning cash to shareholders, rather than pursuing volume growth at all costs.

For royalty owners and service companies in the region, the current data points to continued, stable activity without major swings. The focus for operators will remain on efficiency and maximizing returns from each well drilled, a strategy enabled by the current price and differential levels.