North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 38 as EOG Adds Rig in McKenzie

North Dakota's active drilling rig count rose to 38 on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, according to live Bakken Wire data. The net increase of one rig from the previous day marks a continued expansion of drilling activity in the state's premier oil-producing region.

The sole new addition was an EOG Resources, Inc. rig, identified as H & P 259, which commenced operations in McKenzie County at location 151-95-36. No rigs were reported as removed or relocated in the latest data.

The current count of 38 active rigs represents a sustained upward trajectory. The state's drilling fleet has increased by one rig over the past week, rising from 37 active rigs on October 20. The month-over-month growth is more pronounced, with the count up by nine rigs from the 29 rigs active one month ago on September 27.

The steady climb in North Dakota's rig count contrasts with a major offshore incident reported elsewhere in the global oil and gas sector. According to Rigzone, a rig sank offshore Gabon on October 27. Borr Drilling revealed that 115 personnel were onboard the rig at the time of the incident, the news service reported.

For operators and service companies in the Williston Basin, the consistent addition of rigs over the past month signals strengthening demand for drilling and completion services. The focus remains onshore in the Bakken formation, where operators like EOG Resources continue to deploy capital into new wells.

The increased activity typically foreshadows a rise in future oil production from the region, as new wells are drilled, completed, and brought online. Royalty owners in active counties like McKenzie will be watching for the production results from these new wells.

The Bakken formation is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and rig count is a closely watched leading indicator of industry health and operator confidence. The current level of 38 rigs reflects ongoing, measured investment by operators in the state's core shale plays.