North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 31 for Second Straight Day

North Dakota's active drilling rig count remained unchanged on Thursday, holding at 31 for a second consecutive day. According to Bakken Wire's live rig data, there were no new rigs added, no rigs released, and no rigs that moved location since the previous report.

The current activity level represents a decline from recent weeks. The state's active rig count is down two from the 33 rigs active one week ago on September 17. The longer-term trend shows a more pronounced slowdown, with five fewer rigs working compared to the 36 reported one month ago on August 25.

Amid this backdrop of moderated drilling activity, one Bakken producer is reporting significant growth through operational efficiency. According to a report from Bing News, Phoenix Energy announced in July 2026 that it had surpassed a production rate of 50,000 barrels of oil per day, a dramatic increase from roughly 100 barrels per day when it launched its oil production arm in 2024.

The company's growth has been accompanied by a major expansion in its well base, which grew from 62 producing wells at the end of the second quarter of 2025 to 147 wells by the end of the second quarter of 2026, the source reported. Adam Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Energy, attributed the milestone to the "discipline, focus, and hard work" of the company's team.

Phoenix Energy's drilling strategy, as detailed in the report, focuses on longer horizontal laterals and faster drill times to drive down costs and improve efficiency. The company has drilled several of the fastest three-mile wells in the Bakken, reaching total depth in as little as 6.46 days. In June 2025, the company also completed a lateral of nearly four miles in a single continuous run, a noted technical achievement.

The stability in the rig count comes as the industry reflects on its sometimes volatile history in the region. A separate news report revisited the violent crimes connected to the oil boom over a decade ago, detailing the 2012 murder-for-hire of Kristopher "KC" Clarke, a trucker who left a company tied to James Henrikson for a rival firm.

The Williston Basin, which encompasses the Bakken formation, remains a core area of operation for Phoenix Energy and other independent producers. The current rig count of 31 provides a snapshot of ongoing development activity as companies balance capital discipline with strategies for production growth.