Rig Report

Bakken Rig Count Stable at 23 After Daily Swap

WGO Resources adds a rig in Golden Valley County while XTO Energy removes one in Williams County, maintaining the basin's steady activity level.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·Monday, May 4, 2026

North Dakota's Bakken region maintained its active drilling rig count at 23 on Monday, May 4, 2026, following a day where one rig was added and one was removed.

According to Bakken Wire's live rig data, WGO Resources, LLC activated the STONEHAM 16 rig at location 140-104-34 in Golden Valley County. Meanwhile, XTO Energy Inc. removed the H & P 640 rig from location 154-96-3 in Williams County. No rigs were reported to have moved location during the period.

This stability extends the pattern observed over recent weeks. The Bakken rig count was also 23 one week ago on April 27, 2026, and one month ago on April 4, 2026, indicating a prolonged period of unchanged activity in the state's primary oil-producing region.

The local steadiness contrasts with a slight decline in the broader North American drilling landscape. According to a report from Rigzone citing Baker Hughes data published May 1, the total North America rig count lost four rigs week-on-week, falling to 670. This was driven by a seven-rig drop in Canada, despite a three-rig gain in the United States.

The U.S. total rig count stands at 547, comprising 408 oil rigs, 130 gas rigs, and nine miscellaneous rigs. Week-on-week, the U.S. land rig count actually dropped by six, but gains in offshore and inland water categories pushed the national total higher. Among major basins, the Permian dropped one rig, while the Haynesville and Eagle Ford each added rigs.

Baker Hughes data also showed significant state-level variances: Texas added four rigs, Louisiana added two, and Alaska added one, while New Mexico dropped three and Wyoming dropped one week-on-week.

Year-over-year, the North America rig count is down 34 rigs. The U.S. has cut 37 rigs compared to May 2025, driven by a reduction of 64 oil rigs, though gas and miscellaneous rigs have increased. Canada has added three rigs year-on-year.

The consistent Bakken count, amidst fluctuating national totals, suggests operators in the Williston Basin are maintaining a focused level of drilling investment. The day's activity shows continued operations by both large independents like XTO Energy and other players such as WGO Resources, with work shifting between counties within the basin.

Source

Bakken Wire Live Rig Data, Rigzone/Baker Hughes Rig Count Report

rig countdrilling activitynorth dakotabakkenwgo resourcesxto energy

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