North Dakota Rig Count Drops to 30 with Two Units Released
The active drilling fleet in the Bakken formation shrinks by two, continuing a downward trend from last month.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count fell to 30 on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, according to Bakken Wire's daily tally. The total decreased by two rigs from the previous day, with no new rigs added or existing units moved.
Two rigs were released from service. Koda Resources Operating, LLC's STONEHAM 17 rig, which had been operating in Divide County at location 160-103-22, was removed. Additionally, Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. released its NABORS B 13 rig from McKenzie County location 152-101-23.
The current count of 30 active rigs represents a continued decline in drilling activity across the Williston Basin. Compared to one week ago, on September 22, 2026, the rig count is down by two units from a total of 32. The broader trend shows a more significant pullback over the past month. On August 30, 2026, North Dakota reported 36 active drilling rigs, meaning the fleet has contracted by six rigs, or approximately 17%, in the last 30 days.
A rig count of 30 places activity near the lower end of the range seen in recent years in the Bakken formation, the state's primary oil-producing region. The count is a leading indicator of future oil production, as fewer active drilling rigs typically signal a slowdown in new well development.
The release of rigs by operators like Koda Resources and Devon Energy reflects individual company decisions on capital allocation and drilling schedules. Such adjustments can be influenced by commodity price volatility, operational efficiency targets, and inventory management. The specific locations of the removed rigs—in Divide and McKenzie counties—highlight that the activity pullback is occurring across key Bakken producing areas.
Industry analysts often monitor the rig count alongside other metrics like well completion rates and production volumes to gauge the health of the Bakken oil patch. The sequential decline over the past week and month suggests operators are exercising capital discipline. This trend aligns with a period where companies may be prioritizing free cash flow generation and shareholder returns over aggressive volume growth.
The next weekly production data from the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources will provide further context on how the recent rig count trajectory is impacting the state's oil output.
Source
Bakken Wire live rig data and historical context.
