Bakken Rig Count Holds at 26 for Second Week

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 26 for the seventh consecutive day, according to live rig data for Sunday, June 28, 2026. The state reported no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs moving location since Saturday.

This marks the second full week the Bakken formation's rig count has remained at 26, with no change reported since June 21. However, the current activity level represents a decline from earlier this spring. Compared to one month ago, on May 29, 2026, the state has seen a net reduction of four active drilling rigs.

The stability in the rig count over the past week suggests a period of consolidation for operators in the Williston Basin. After a drop of four rigs during late May and early June, drilling activity has found a temporary floor. A rig count in the mid-20s is indicative of a focused, efficiency-driven drilling environment where operators prioritize core acreage and high-return prospects.

The flat week-over-week and day-over-day figures, with no reported rig movements, point to a pause in significant new drilling campaigns or major rig releases. This can often reflect a period of evaluation for oil and gas companies, who may be assessing well results, completion schedules, or commodity price signals before committing additional capital to new drills.

For royalty owners and service companies in the region, a steady rig count provides a measure of predictable, albeit reduced, activity compared to last month. The number of active rigs is a leading indicator of future oil production, as new wells drilled today will contribute to output in the coming months. A sustained count at this level would support maintaining current production volumes from the Bakken formation.

The broader context of the North Dakota rig count is its relationship to both oil prices and operator capital discipline. While the live data does not specify individual company actions, a collective rig count trending lower over a month typically reflects adjustments to spending plans or a strategic shift towards drilled but uncompleted wells (DUCs).

The next movement in the rig count will signal whether the current level represents a new baseline for activity or if further adjustments are underway as the industry moves into the second half of 2026.