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North Dakota Rig Count Falls to 27 as Activity Shifts in Divide County - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Falls to 27 as Activity Shifts in Divide County

A net loss of one rig comes as operator Phoenix replaces a rig in the same field, while the broader North American count rises.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

North Dakota's active drilling rig count fell to 27 on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, marking a net decrease of one rig from the previous day, according to Bakken Wire live data. The day saw one new rig added and two removed, with no rigs moving between locations.

The new activity was concentrated in Divide County. Phoenix Operating LLC spudded a new well using the PATTERSON 280 rig at location 162-95-27. Concurrently, Phoenix removed the T&S DRILLING 2 rig from nearby location 162-95-28 in the same county. In McKenzie County, DEVON ENERGY WILLISTON, L.L.C. released the NABORS B 13 rig from location 150-99-11.

The current count of 27 rigs represents a decrease of two rigs compared to one week ago, when the state reported 29 active rigs. However, drilling activity remains higher than levels seen a month ago; the count is up by four rigs from the 23 reported on May 10, 2026.

The day's localized rig change by Phoenix Operating LLC in Divide County highlights the ongoing optimization and high-grading of drilling programs by Bakken operators, even as the overall state count fluctuates.

The modest pullback in North Dakota contrasts with a broader North American trend. According to a report from Rigzone citing Baker Hughes data, North America added eight rigs week on week in the latest count. This suggests capital and equipment may be flowing to other basins.

Separate market dynamics are affecting other major producing regions. Another Rigzone report highlighted that "two extremes are currently playing out in the Permian Basin," where some gas-focused drillers are being shut out of the current oil price rally. While not directly about the Bakken, this underscores the commodity-specific pressures that can influence rig deployment decisions nationwide.

For North Dakota, the rig count remains a key leading indicator for future oil production from the Bakken formation and Williston Basin. The current level of 27 rigs, while down slightly for the week, continues to reflect sustained investment in the play compared to last month.

Source

Bakken Wire live rig data, Rigzone

rig countdrilling activitydivide countymckenzie countyphoenix operatingdevon energybakken formation

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