North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 25, Down 2 From June

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's oil fields remained unchanged for the second consecutive week, holding steady at 25, according to live data from Bakken Wire. No rigs were added, removed, or moved locations in the past 24 hours.

The current count represents no change from the 25 rigs active one week ago on July 2, 2026. However, the pace of drilling has softened compared to last month. The state's rig count is down by two from the 27 rigs reported on June 9, 2026.

The flat week-to-week activity suggests a period of stability for operators in the Bakken formation and broader Williston Basin. Rig counts are a leading indicator of future oil production, and the current level reflects ongoing, measured development in the play.

While domestic drilling activity in the Bakken holds steady, a major international energy company has commenced a significant appraisal drilling campaign for a carbon management project. According to a report from Rigzone, INPEX, in a joint venture called Metropolitan CCS with Kanto Natural Gas Development, has started drilling an appraisal well for a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in Japan. The project is planned to serve industrial emitters in the Greater Tokyo Area.

The parallel development highlights the global energy industry's dual focus on maintaining hydrocarbon production while advancing emissions-reduction technologies. For Bakken operators, the integration of CCS and similar technologies could become increasingly relevant for managing carbon emissions associated with production.

The stability in North Dakota's rig count comes amid fluctuating commodity prices and ongoing capital discipline across the exploration and production sector. Operators continue to prioritize efficiency and returns in the mature Bakken play, where breakeven economics are closely watched.