North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 36; Zavanna Adds New Williams County Rig
The state's active drilling rig fleet increased by one to 36, continuing an upward trend from the previous week.
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota increased by one to 36 on Tuesday, October 6, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The gain marks a continuation of recent activity increases in the Williston Basin.
The sole addition was a rig operated by Zavanna Energy Operating, LLC. The company spud the NABORS X28 rig at a well location in Williams County (Section 3, Township 153N, Range 99W).
No rigs were removed from service or moved to new locations within the state on Tuesday, resulting in the net gain of one.
The current rig count of 36 represents a significant weekly increase. One week ago, on September 29, 2026, the state reported 30 active rigs, meaning the fleet has grown by six units over the past seven days. Compared to one month ago, activity is also up marginally. On September 6, 2026, the state's rig count stood at 35.
Rig count is a closely watched leading indicator of future oil production in the Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. Increases in drilling activity typically signal operator confidence and precede rises in crude output several months later.
The steady upward movement over the past week suggests operators are responding to favorable market conditions or executing planned drilling programs for the fourth quarter. Williams County remains a core area of operations within the basin.
The rig count remains a key metric for service companies, royalty owners, and local economies across western North Dakota. Further gains would signal strengthening investment in the state's oil fields.
Source
Bakken Wire Live Rig Data
