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North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 34 as Activity Sees Single Net Addition - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 34 as Activity Sees Single Net Addition

The state's active drilling fleet remained flat day-over-day, continuing a multi-week uptrend driven by higher oil prices.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 34 on Friday, August 21, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The tally reflects a net change of one new rig added against one removed.

The new rig added to the count is the TRUE 36, operated by True Oil LLC in McKenzie County (147-101-3). The rig removed from the count was the T&S DRILLING 2, operated by Firebird Services, LLC, which was also located in McKenzie County (149-102 18). No rigs were reported to have moved locations.

The current activity level represents a continuation of a recent upward trend. Compared to one week ago (August 14), the rig count is up by two from 32. The increase is more pronounced over the past month, with 10 more rigs running than on July 22, when the count stood at 24.

This sustained increase in drilling activity aligns with broader reports of improving conditions in the state's oil sector. According to a recent report from Bing News, North Dakota's oil production numbers continue to improve amid higher oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions. The state relies heavily on oil and gas tax revenue.

The stability in the rig count suggests operators are maintaining a measured pace of development in the core Bakken formation. McKenzie County, where both Friday's rig addition and removal occurred, remains the most active county for drilling in the Williston Basin.

The current count of 34 rigs is significantly higher than the lows seen earlier in the summer, indicating a responsive increase from operators as commodity prices have firmed. Analysts often view the rig count as a leading indicator for future oil production, as new wells drilled today will come online in the following months.

The focus for Bakken operators remains on capital discipline and high-grading drill sites to the most productive acreage, even as activity levels rise. The day-to-day churn of rigs coming on and off contract reflects this ongoing optimization.

Source

Bakken Wire live rig data, historical context data, Bing News summary from August 20, 2026.

rig countdrillingbakkenwilliston basinmckenzie countytrue oilfirebird services

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