North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 36 for Second Straight Day

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 36 on Sunday, November 1, according to Bakken Wire's live rig data. The tally showed no new rigs added, none removed, and no rigs moving location since the previous day's report.

This marks the second consecutive day of no movement in the state's rig fleet. The current activity level represents a slight decrease from the count recorded one week prior on October 25, when 37 rigs were active.

However, the broader trend over the past month shows an increase in drilling activity. The current count of 36 rigs is two higher than the 34 rigs reported one month ago on October 2.

The stability in the rig count comes amid ongoing operations by major and independent producers across the Bakken formation and Williston Basin. Rig activity is a leading indicator of future oil production, and a count in the mid-30s suggests operators are maintaining a consistent development program. Fluctuations in commodity prices, service costs, and takeaway capacity typically influence these weekly and monthly movements.

The Bakken formation remains North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and the rig count is closely watched by service companies, royalty owners, and local economies in the western part of the state. The current level of activity supports continued employment in the drilling, completion, and well services sectors.

While day-to-day changes are often minimal, the monthly comparison indicates a modest uptick in drilling intentions among operators since the start of October. Market participants will monitor upcoming weekly data to see if this level is sustained or if the recent slight weekly decline marks the beginning of a new trend.