North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 28; Murex Petroleum Adds New Rig
The state's active drilling fleet grew by one to reach its highest level in over a month, with a new rig deployed in Williams County.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count increased to 28 on Tuesday, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The total represents a gain of one rig from the previous day, with no rigs removed or moved between locations.
The addition was a new rig deployed by Murex Petroleum Corporation. The operator activated the H & P 515 rig in Williams County at location 157-95-29.
The current count of 28 rigs continues a recent upward trend in drilling activity across the Bakken formation. The rig count is now one higher than it was one week ago on June 16, 2026, when 27 rigs were active. Compared to one month ago on May 24, 2026, the state's active fleet has increased by two rigs from a base of 26.
The steady, incremental growth over the past month suggests operators are maintaining a measured pace of drilling operations. Rig count is a leading indicator of future oil production, as new wells must be drilled before they can be completed and brought online.
Williams County, where the new Murex rig is operating, is a core area within the Bakken and consistently hosts a significant portion of the state's drilling activity. The county contains some of the formation's most productive geology.
The current level of activity, while up from recent lows, remains well below the historical peaks seen in the previous decade. The rig count is closely watched by service companies, royalty owners, and local economies in western North Dakota, as it directly correlates with oilfield employment and spending.
No other changes to the state's rig fleet were reported for Tuesday. The data reflects permits for drilling new wells and does not include wells in the completion phase.
Source
Bakken Wire live rig data for June 23, 2026. Historical context from Bakken Wire data for June 16, 2026 and May 24, 2026.
