North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 36 for Saturday Morning

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 36 on Saturday, October 31, 2026, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. There were no rigs added, removed, or relocated since the previous day's count.

The current activity level represents a decrease of one rig from one week ago, when 37 rigs were active on October 24. However, the count is up by two rigs compared to the 34 rigs operating one month ago on October 1.

The stability in the state's rig fleet comes amid continued global focus on industrial safety within the energy and infrastructure sectors. Internationally, a rig sinking offshore Gabon resulted in the discovery of three bodies by an underwater remotely operated vehicle, according to a summary from Rigzone. The operator, Borr Drilling, revealed the findings.

Separately, a ruptured water reservoir at the Rogun Dam construction site in Tajikistan has raised safety concerns, according to a report from OilPrice.com. The incident, which occurred in late October, sent water gushing into a construction tunnel where workers from subcontractor Sino Hydro were present. Tajik officials stated no one was hurt and workers returned after first aid, but other reports citing witnesses contended more than five workers were injured. The Rogun Dam project, a megaproject facing substantial financing requirements, has an opaque safety record, with officials acknowledging eight accidents at the site in 2025 without providing specifics.

In North Dakota, the Bakken formation remains the primary oil-producing region, and rig activity is a leading indicator of future production. The current count of 36 rigs suggests a sustained, moderate level of drilling investment by operators in the Williston Basin.