Bakken Rig Count Holds at 27 for Second Consecutive Week

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's Bakken formation held steady at 27 on Saturday, June 13, 2026, according to the latest Bakken Wire data. The count showed no daily change, with zero new rigs added, zero removed, and none that moved location.

This marks the second consecutive week of stability in the state's drilling activity. The rig count also stood at 27 one week ago, on June 6. However, the current level represents a modest increase from one month ago, when 24 rigs were active on May 14.

A rig count in the high-20s is indicative of sustained, moderate development activity in the Williston Basin. Operators continue to focus on core Bakken acreage, deploying rigs to drill and complete new wells to maintain production levels from the mature shale play. The stability over the past week suggests a period of equilibrium in operator drilling plans amid prevailing commodity prices and operational considerations.

In related North Dakota energy news, state Attorney General Drew Wrigley announced a final settlement this week in a longstanding lawsuit connected to the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). According to a Bing News report from June 11, Wrigley settled with the U.S. government over costs related to the pipeline protests. The Dakota Access Pipeline is a critical piece of infrastructure that transports Bakken crude oil to market, and its ongoing, stable operation is a key factor for producers in the region.

The steady rig activity coincides with this legal closure, underscoring the continued importance of reliable midstream infrastructure for Bakken development. While the rig count itself is not directly tied to the legal settlement, both items highlight the operational and regulatory environment in which North Dakota's oil and gas industry functions. For royalty owners and operators, a consistent rig count provides predictability for local service companies and county-level production forecasts.

Market observers will monitor whether the current plateau in drilling activity will lead into a summer trend or if operators will adjust their capital programs in the coming weeks. The three-rig increase over the past month suggests a measured uptick in development pace, though the lack of daily movement indicates a cautious approach by exploration and production companies.