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North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 33 After Three Rigs Dropped - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 33 After Three Rigs Dropped

The Williston Basin's active drilling fleet was unchanged as three rigs were released, offsetting three that started up since last week's report.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 33 on Wednesday, October 7, despite three rigs being released by operators, according to live rig data. The net count was unchanged from one week ago on September 30.

Three rigs were released from service on Wednesday. Hunt Oil Company released the T&S Drilling 1 rig from a location in Burke County (159-90-33). Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. released the Noble 4 rig from Dunn County (149-91-18). XTO Energy Inc. released the H & P 429 rig from McKenzie County (153-96-3). No rigs were reported as moving to new locations.

The current count of 33 rigs represents a decrease of two rigs from the level seen one month ago on September 7, when 35 rigs were active. The stability over the past week suggests a period of equilibrium in drilling activity, with new rigs being added to replace those coming off contract.

The Bakken formation is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and rig activity is a leading indicator of future production. The rig count is closely watched by operators, service companies, and royalty owners as a barometer of industry investment and confidence. The current level remains significantly below the peak activity seen in previous boom cycles but reflects sustained, focused development by major operators in the core areas of the play.

The release of rigs by operators like Devon, XTO (a subsidiary of ExxonMobil), and Hunt is a routine part of the drilling cycle as wells are completed and rig contracts expire. The data does not indicate whether these are permanent reductions or temporary pauses. The concentration of released rigs in the key counties of McKenzie, Dunn, and Burke highlights that activity adjustments are occurring across the basin's most productive areas.

With no new rigs added on Wednesday, the day's activity resulted in a net change of zero. The overall trend shows a modest pullback from the higher activity levels of early September, with the fleet stabilizing in the low-30s. Market conditions for crude oil, well costs, and corporate capital expenditure budgets are the primary factors influencing decisions to add or release drilling rigs in the Williston Basin.

Source

Bakken Wire Live Rig Data

rig countdrillingnorth dakotabakkenwilliston basinhunt oildevon energyxto energy

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