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BAKKEN WIRE
Bakken Rig Count Steady at 22, Down from Recent Highs - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

Bakken Rig Count Steady at 22, Down from Recent Highs

North Dakota drilling activity remains unchanged from yesterday but has declined over the past two weeks as pipeline expansion plans advance.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held at 22 on Friday, April 17, 2026, with no additions, removals, or location changes reported since yesterday, according to Bakken Wire live data.

The current level represents a slight decline from recent activity. One week ago, on April 10, the state reported 24 active rigs. The count has fallen by two rigs over that period. Compared to 16 days ago on April 1, when 23 rigs were active, the count is down by one.

While drilling activity shows a modest pullback, a significant infrastructure development for the region received federal approval this week. According to Bing News, U.S. President Donald Trump approved a presidential permit on April 15 for Bakken Pipeline Company LP to construct, connect, operate, and maintain pipeline facilities at the U.S.-Canada border in Burke County, North Dakota. Bing News reported that Bakken Pipeline Company is a subsidiary of Enbridge.

The same source detailed that Enbridge is pursuing a broader expansion strategy, including a US$1.4 billion Mainline Optimization project aimed at adding 150,000 barrels per day of capacity on its cross-Canada system, which feeds U.S. markets. Another 100,000 barrels per day is targeted for the Flanagan South system to the U.S. Gulf Coast.

A potential second phase of this optimization could add 250,000 barrels per day by 2028 utilizing the existing Dakota Access Pipeline route from North Dakota to Illinois, Bing News reported. Enbridge has stated these expansions could enable moving an additional 500,000 barrels per day over the next few years.

The approval of new border-crossing infrastructure and plans to optimize existing lines, including the Dakota Access Pipeline, could influence long-term drilling economics in the Bakken by enhancing market access for North Dakota crude.

The current rig count of 22 provides a snapshot of immediate drilling investment in the formation as these larger pipeline projects move forward.

Source

Bakken Wire live rig data, Bing News (April 15, 2026)

rig countdrillingbakkennorth dakotapipelineenbridgeinfrastructure

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