Bakken Rig Count Holds at 28 Amid Strong Oil Prices

North Dakota's active rig count held firm at 28 as of Thursday, May 28, 2026, a key indicator of potential near-term production stability in the Bakken formation. The figure, combined with oil prices holding above $88 per barrel, provides a cautiously positive signal for operator activity in the state's primary oil-producing region.

The current rig count of 28 represents a baseline level of drilling activity. Historically, the number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota is a leading indicator of future oil production, with changes in the count typically affecting output volumes several months later. A steady rig count, therefore, suggests production levels may avoid significant declines in the coming quarter.

Supporting this outlook are current commodity prices. West Texas Intermediate crude traded at $88.75 per barrel, according to live market data. The Bakken crude differential—the discount at which Bakken barrels trade against the WTI benchmark—stood at -$3.42, meaning Bakken crude was priced at approximately $85.33. This provides a direct netback for Williston Basin operators.

"Natural gas prices, another revenue stream for producers, were at $3.30 per MMBtu. The combination of oil prices solidly above $85 and a stable, narrow differential for Bakken crude creates a favorable economic environment for sustaining current development plans," a Bakken Wire market analysis noted.

The broader price context also remains supportive. The international Brent crude benchmark was at $92.69, maintaining a healthy spread over WTI that supports export economics.

While the current rig count is far below the boom-era peaks, its stability at this level, absent a sharp price correction, suggests operators are maintaining a disciplined level of capital expenditure focused on core acreage. The outlook for North Dakota production remains directly tied to these fundamental metrics of rig activity and realized wellhead prices. Any significant move in either would be the first signal of a shift in the production trajectory for the remainder of 2026.