North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 23 Amid High Oil Prices

North Dakota's active rig count remained at 23 on Friday, April 24, 2026, according to Bakken Wire live data. The stability in drilling activity comes as benchmark oil prices hold at elevated levels, with West Texas Intermediate crude trading at $95 per barrel.

The current rig count is a key leading indicator for future oil production in the Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. Historically, the number of active drilling rigs has correlated with production trends, with a sustained increase in rigs typically leading to production growth after a several-month lag.

The current price environment appears supportive for continued operation. While WTI dipped slightly by $0.85 on the day, Brent crude traded above $100 per barrel. The Bakken differential—the discount at which Bakken crude trades compared to WTI—was recorded at -$3.42, according to the live data.

Analysts often view a rig count in the low-to-mid 20s as indicative of a maintenance mode for North Dakota's output, which has fluctuated around 1.2 million barrels per day in recent years. A significant and sustained increase above current levels would likely be necessary to push production meaningfully higher.

The steady rig activity suggests operators are balancing capital discipline with the economic incentive provided by prices near $95. Natural gas prices, at $2.68 per MMBtu according to the live data, remain a secondary consideration for primarily oil-directed Bakken drillers.

The outlook for North Dakota production in the coming months is therefore likely one of stability. Barring a sharp move in commodity prices, the current level of drilling and completion activity is expected to keep output relatively flat. Any significant shift in operator spending plans would first become visible in the weekly rig count data.

For royalty owners and service companies in the Williston Basin, the current data points to a continuation of recent activity levels. Market attention will remain focused on crude oil prices and any changes to the drilling fleet as key signals for the direction of Bakken production.