North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 27 for Second Day

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota remained unchanged at 27 on Thursday, May 28, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. The count showed no day-over-day movement, with no new rigs added, removed, or relocated since Wednesday.

The current figure represents a slight increase from activity levels seen earlier in the month. One week ago, on May 21, the state reported 25 active rigs, meaning the count has risen by two rigs over the past seven days.

The broader trend shows a more significant build in drilling activity over the past month. On April 28, North Dakota's active rig count stood at 22. The current tally of 27 rigs marks an increase of five units over that four-week period, indicating a steady climb in operational tempo within the Williston Basin.

A stable or rising rig count is a key leading indicator for future oil production in the Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. The current level of 27 rigs suggests operators are maintaining capital discipline while continuing development programs in core areas.

The sustained activity follows a period of lower counts earlier in the spring. The month-over-month gain of five rigs points to increased confidence among operators, potentially driven by stable commodity prices or the continued deployment of drilling and completion crews to high-graded locations.

For royalty owners and service companies, the rig count serves as a barometer for near-term economic activity. The current level, holding at a one-month high, supports ongoing demand for labor, equipment, and services across the oilfield supply chain.

Market observers will monitor upcoming weekly petroleum status reports from the U.S. Energy Information Administration to see if the sustained rig activity translates into adjusted production forecasts for the Bakken play.