Bakken Rig Count Holds at 26 as Oil Prices Remain Flat

North Dakota's oil industry is showing signs of operational stability, with the active rig count holding at 26 and crude oil prices remaining unchanged. The current rig count, a key indicator of future drilling activity, suggests producers are maintaining a steady pace of operations in the Bakken formation.

As of June 28, 2026, the benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude price was $69.23 per barrel, showing no change from the previous session. The international Brent crude benchmark was also flat at $72.60 per barrel. The Bakken crude differential, which measures the discount for oil produced in the region, was -$3.42 versus WTI, a relatively narrow spread that supports local wellhead economics.

The rig count is a closely watched leading indicator for oil production. Historically, a sustained increase in the number of active drilling rigs leads to growth in production several months later, as new wells are completed and brought online. Conversely, a declining rig count typically foreshadows a future drop in output. The current count of 26 rigs represents a level associated with maintaining, rather than aggressively expanding, the state's production base.

Natural gas prices, another important revenue stream for operators, were at $3.28 per million British thermal units (MMBtu). While oil remains the primary economic driver in the Bakken, gas capture and pricing continue to factor into overall well profitability.

The combination of stable oil prices in the high-$60s and a modest differential to the WTI benchmark provides a predictable environment for Bakken operators. This price level is generally considered sufficient to support ongoing drilling and completion work for many companies, particularly in the core areas of the play, but may not incentivize a significant acceleration in activity.

For royalty owners and state revenues, a steady rig count and flat price environment point toward consistent, near-term production volumes and cash flows. The outlook suggests North Dakota's oil output is likely to remain near current levels barring a major shift in commodity prices. The industry's focus continues to be on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing recovery from existing wells and drilled but uncompleted (DUC) inventories.