North Dakota Rig Count Holds Steady at 28, Up Five from May

North Dakota’s active drilling rig count held steady at 28 on Tuesday, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The figure is unchanged from the previous day, with no new rigs added, removed, or relocated.

The current rig count represents a decline of one active drilling unit compared to one week ago, when the state reported 29 rigs on June 2. However, the pace of drilling activity remains significantly higher than levels seen in early May. The state has added five rigs over the last month, up from a count of 23 on May 10.

The stable, elevated rig count suggests operators in the Bakken formation are maintaining capital discipline while continuing development programs. The Williston Basin remains a core oil-producing region, and the rig activity level is a key indicator of near-term production potential.

Separately, a report from Rigzone highlights contrasting dynamics in another major U.S. shale play. According to the source, published June 8, two extremes are currently playing out in the Permian Basin. The report notes that some Texas gas drillers, shut out of the recent oil price rally, are shutting off wells.

This underscores a broader industry trend where operators are highly responsive to commodity price signals, directing capital toward the most economical plays. For North Dakota, where production is predominantly oil, sustained activity hinges on supportive crude oil prices and operational efficiency.

The Bakken formation is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. Rig counts are closely watched by royalty owners, service companies, and local economies as a leading indicator of oilfield activity and employment.