North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 26 as National Trend Climbs

The number of rigs actively drilling for oil and gas in North Dakota held steady at 26 on Monday, June 29, 2026, according to live data from Bakken Wire. No rigs were added, removed, or moved location since the previous day.

The current count represents a slight decline from recent activity levels. It is down one rig from the total of 27 active one week ago on June 22, 2026, and down four rigs from the 30 rigs reported one month ago on May 30, 2026.

This local steadiness contrasts with a rising trend across North America. According to a report from Rigzone, the North America rotary rig count added 21 rigs week-on-week, marking the eighth consecutive week of increases. The data, provided by Baker Hughes, indicates broader drilling growth across the continent even as the Bakken formation's activity plateaus.

Industry consolidation among drilling contractors may also be a factor in the operating environment. Rigzone reported that Eldorado Drilling has sealed its acquisition of Vantage. A statement noted that the combination brings together Eldorado's Atlantic Zonda with Vantage's asset base, strong operating capabilities, global footprint, and proven track record managing high specification drilling assets. Such mergers can impact rig fleet deployment and contractor availability.

Meanwhile, international labor disputes highlight ongoing operational challenges in other oil-producing regions. The Norwegian Union of Energy Workers announced that an additional 63 members would join hundreds already on strike offshore Norway after government mediation failed to yield a new Well Service Agreement, according to Rigzone. While not directly affecting the Williston Basin, such events can influence global energy markets and supply chains.

The Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, has seen its rig count fluctuate within a relatively narrow band over recent years as operators focus on capital discipline and efficiency. The current level of 26 active rigs suggests a sustained focus on optimizing production from existing wells and high-grading new drilling locations.