North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 22, Down Two Rigs Over Past Week

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota was unchanged on Sunday, holding steady at 22, according to the latest live rig data. No new rigs were added, none were removed, and no rigs were reported moving to new locations.

This flat daily activity follows a slight decline over the past week. The current count of 22 rigs is down by two from the 24 rigs reported one week ago, on April 12, 2026. Compared to the start of the month, the rig count is down by one from the 23 rigs active on April 1.

The stability in the rig count suggests a period of cautious equilibrium for operators in the Bakken formation and Williston Basin. The modest two-rig drop over the last seven days indicates a potential, though not dramatic, recalibration of drilling plans. Rig counts are a closely watched leading indicator of future oil production activity in the state.

North Dakota's rig count remains a critical metric for gauging the industry's operational tempo, directly impacting service companies, employment, and projected oil output. A sustained rig count in the low 20s represents a significant level of activity focused on core, high-productivity acreage.

The current activity level reflects ongoing capital discipline by exploration and production companies, who continue to prioritize shareholder returns and free cash flow over aggressive production growth. Operators are likely concentrating drilling efforts on their most economic well locations within the play.

The Bakken formation is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. The state's production levels are inherently tied to the number of rigs drilling new wells, as these wells eventually enter the production stream after completion.

Further context on specific operator plans or drilling trends was not provided in the available data. The next movements in the rig count will signal whether this period of stability continues or if a new trend emerges.