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North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 27 Despite Daily Turnover - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 27 Despite Daily Turnover

The state added one new rig and lost two on Saturday, with activity remaining steady compared to last week but up from a month ago.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's oil fields held steady at 27 on Saturday, August 8, according to live rig data. The net count was unchanged from one week ago, but reflects a gain of two rigs compared to the 25 rigs active a month ago on July 9.

Daily activity showed significant turnover beneath the stable headline number. One new rig commenced operations, while two were released and one rig changed locations.

Phoenix Operating LLC added a new rig to the field. The company's PATTERSON 280 rig is now active at a site in Divide County (162-95-28).

Conversely, two rigs were released from service on Saturday. Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. released the PRONGHORN 7 rig from a McKenzie County location (151-102-34). Hunt Oil Company also released the T&S DRILLING 1 rig from a site in Mountrail County (156-90-13).

In a separate move, Whiting Oil and Gas Corporation relocated a rig within the core Bakken area. The company's PATTERSON 286 rig moved to a new location in McKenzie County (150-103-24).

The Bakken formation is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, with McKenzie County consistently being one of the most active counties for drilling. The stability of the rig count around the mid-20s reflects a period of measured activity by operators, balancing capital discipline with ongoing development of the play.

The current level of 27 rigs represents a key benchmark for industry activity and future production potential in the state. While day-to-day churn in rig locations and operators is common, the steady count over the past week suggests a temporary equilibrium in drilling programs across the Williston Basin.

Source

Live rig data for August 8, 2026, and historical context data provided.

rig countdrillingnorth dakotabakkenwilliston basinphoenix operatingdevon energyhunt oilwhiting oil and gas

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