North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 22 for Second Consecutive Week

North Dakota's active drilling rig count was unchanged for the seventh consecutive day, holding steady at 22 on Wednesday, April 29, according to live data from Bakken Wire. There were no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs that moved location since the previous day.

The current level represents a period of stability for Bakken drilling activity. The rig count has been fixed at 22 for over a week, matching the total from April 22. However, the current pace is down by one rig from the 23 active rigs reported 28 days ago on April 1, 2026.

The flat activity in the Williston Basin contrasts with broader geopolitical tensions affecting global oil markets. In a recent statement, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright commented on the security of a major global oil chokepoint. According to Rigzone, Wright said on April 28 that not all mines placed by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz need to be removed for ships to resume transiting the vital passageway.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route for global oil shipments, and disruptions there can influence international crude prices and market sentiment. Stability or instability in the region can indirectly impact the economic calculus for domestic producers, including those in the Bakken, by affecting the price benchmarks against which their crude is sold.

For operators in North Dakota, the static rig count suggests a continued focus on capital discipline and efficiency, with companies maintaining but not expanding their current drilling programs. The current level of activity is significantly below the historical peaks seen in the previous decade but has found a plateau in recent reporting periods.

The lack of day-to-day movement indicates that existing drilling projects are proceeding without major interruptions, and no new large-scale campaigns have been initiated. Market watchers will monitor for any shifts in the count as a leading indicator for future Bakken oil production.