North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 27 as Oil Prices Top $91

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota remained unchanged at 27, according to midday data for Monday, June 8, 2026. The stable rig count coincides with a significant rally in oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude trading at $91.66 per barrel, up $1.12 on the day.

The current rig count of 27 represents a baseline level of drilling activity in the Williston Basin. Historically, rig counts are a leading indicator for future oil production, with a lag of several months between when a well is spudded and when it begins producing. A stable count suggests operators are maintaining, but not aggressively expanding, their drilling programs.

Supporting this steady operational tempo are strong commodity prices. Brent crude, the international benchmark, was trading even higher at $94.83. The price for Bakken crude at the wellhead is typically discounted against WTI; the current differential is -$3.42 per barrel, putting Bakken priced at approximately $88.24.

Analysts often point to a rig count in the mid-to-high 20s as a level that can sustain North Dakota's oil production near current output, which has been fluctuating around 1.2 to 1.3 million barrels per day in recent years. A sustained increase in the rig count would be necessary to return the state to its previous production peak above 1.5 million barrels per day.

The price environment is a key driver for operator budgets and activity. With WTI holding firmly above $90, cash flow for Bakken producers remains robust. This financial strength provides operators with the flexibility to maintain drilling and completion schedules without significant cuts, even as service costs remain elevated.

Natural gas prices, another revenue stream for many Bakken wells, were trading at $3.13 per MMBtu. While not a primary driver in the oil-rich basin, stronger gas prices can improve the economics of wells and support midstream infrastructure development.

The combination of a firm rig count and strong oil prices points to a stable near-term production outlook for North Dakota. Barring a sharp downturn in prices, the current level of activity is likely to keep Bakken output on a steady plateau. Market watchers will monitor future rig count reports for any signs of an uptick in response to the sustained higher price environment.