North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 33; Chevron Restructures Bakken Midstream

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 33 on Thursday, October 8, 2026, showing no daily change, according to live rig data tracked by Bakken Wire. The count has seen a slight decline from recent levels, down one rig from the 34 active one week ago on October 1, and down two rigs from the 35 active one month ago on September 8.

The flat daily activity reported no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs that moved location. The current level continues a period of stability for the Williston Basin's drilling program, which remains a key indicator of near-term oil production trends in the Bakken formation.

The steady rig count unfolds alongside corporate restructuring by a major Bakken operator. According to a report from Rigzone, Chevron has exited its position in Hess Midstream through a swap transaction. The deal will make Hess Midstream independent of Chevron.

A key element of the transaction, as reported by Rigzone, is that it allows Chevron to continue using oil and gas gathering and processing infrastructure in the Bakken at a lower cost. This move represents a strategic shift for Chevron as it restructures its assets across the Bakken and DJ basins. Securing long-term, cost-effective midstream access is often a critical factor for operators when planning future drilling campaigns and capital allocation.

The current rig count of 33 provides a snapshot of industry investment in new well drilling. While the count has dipped slightly over the past month, the lack of daily volatility suggests a measured pace of activity among operators. The focus on operational efficiency and cost management, highlighted by corporate moves like Chevron's midstream restructuring, remains a dominant theme for producers in the region.

For royalty owners and service companies, the stable rig count indicates a consistent, though not expanding, level of field work. The broader context of corporate asset optimization, as seen with Chevron, points to an ongoing industry emphasis on strengthening balance sheets and securing profitable operations even at current commodity price levels.