North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 34 for Sunday Session
The state's active drilling fleet shows no daily movement, maintaining a level two rigs above its August standing.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 34 for the Sunday, September 13 session, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The tally showed no daily change, with zero new rigs added, zero rigs removed, and no rigs moving location.
The current activity level represents a decrease of one rig from the count of 35 reported one week ago, on September 6, 2026. However, compared to data from one month prior, the fleet has expanded. On August 14, 2026, the state reported 32 active rigs, meaning the current count is two rigs higher.
The stability in the rig count comes amid a period of measured activity in the Williston Basin. The Bakken formation remains North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and the rig count is a closely watched leading indicator for future production. The current level of 34 rigs is within the range observed in recent months, suggesting operators are maintaining disciplined capital programs.
A rig count in the mid-30s typically supports a steady level of new well completions. The focus for many operators in the current price environment has been on drilling efficiency and maximizing returns from core acreage, rather than aggressive fleet expansion. The slight net gain over the past month indicates a cautiously optimistic posture among some drillers, while the weekly dip may reflect normal operational adjustments.
The next movement in the rig count will be a key signal for near-term drilling momentum in the state. Market observers monitor these figures alongside crude oil prices and well productivity data to gauge the health of the Bakken oil patch. With no daily change reported, the industry's immediate operational tempo appears unchanged.
Source
Bakken Wire Live Rig Data, Historical Context Data
