Bakken Rig Count Holds at 27, Up 4 from Previous Week

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's Bakken formation held unchanged at 27 on Sunday, August 2, 2026, according to Bakken Wire live data. No rigs were added, removed, or relocated since the previous day.

The current count represents an increase of four rigs compared to one week ago, when 23 rigs were active on July 26. Activity is also up by two rigs from the level of 25 recorded one month ago on July 3.

The steady rig count and recent upward trend coincide with a significant federal regulatory development. According to a July 31 report from Rigzone, industry groups have welcomed the Senate Natural Resources Committee's approval of the License to Drill Act (S.5039). Dan Naatz, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), stated the act reauthorizes "a long-standing policy that is an important framework for federal land producers."

While the Bakken's core development is on private and state land, federal policies affecting onshore drilling can influence broader industry sentiment and operational planning for companies with diverse portfolios. A stable regulatory framework is often cited by operators as a factor in long-term capital allocation decisions.

The rig count is a leading indicator of future oil production in the Williston Basin. The current level of 27 rigs suggests operators are maintaining a measured pace of development. The increase over the past week indicates a possible response to stable oil prices or specific operator drilling schedules.

Historically, North Dakota's rig count has fluctuated significantly from the boom years of over 200 rigs to lows in the teens during market downturns. The current activity level reflects a continued focus on capital discipline and efficiency, with operators targeting the most productive core areas of the Bakken and Three Forks formations.

No major operator-specific rig additions or releases were reported in the daily data. The stability in the count suggests drilling programs are proceeding as planned across the basin.