North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 22

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 22 on Tuesday, May 19, according to Bakken Wire's live rig data. The count showed no movement from the previous day, with no new rigs added, removed, or relocated.

The current level matches the count from exactly one month ago, on April 19, 2026. However, activity is down by one rig compared to one week ago, when the state reported 23 active rigs on May 12. The stability at 22 rigs suggests a continued, measured pace of drilling operations in the Bakken formation.

While North Dakota's activity was flat, broader North American drilling saw a modest increase last week. According to a report from Rigzone citing Baker Hughes data, North America added three rigs week-on-week as of May 18. This indicates that, despite the slight recent dip in North Dakota, overall drilling activity on the continent experienced a small uptick.

The rig count is a closely watched indicator of future oil production and capital expenditure in the Williston Basin. A count in the low 20s reflects a sustained focus on efficiency and capital discipline by operators, targeting the most productive acreage.

Historically, North Dakota's rig count has experienced significant volatility, often fluctuating with global crude oil prices. The current stable level suggests operators are maintaining a consistent development plan amid prevailing market conditions.

The lack of daily movement in the state's rig fleet points to a period of operational steadiness. Operators are likely focused on completing drilled but uncompleted wells (DUCs) and bringing new production online from existing pads.

The Bakken formation remains one of the nation's top oil-producing regions, and the pace of drilling is a key factor in maintaining its output. The rig activity level will continue to be monitored for signals of any strategic shifts by major producers in the play.