North Dakota Rig Count Steady at 26 Amid Sustained Growth Trend

North Dakota's active drilling rig count remained unchanged for the seventh consecutive day, holding at 26 rigs on Thursday, May 14, 2026. According to Bakken Wire's daily rig activity report, there were no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs that moved location since the previous report.

While the daily figure shows stability, the weekly and monthly trends reveal sustained growth in drilling activity within the Williston Basin. The current count of 26 rigs represents an increase of three rigs compared to one week ago, when the state reported 23 active rigs on May 7. The growth over the past month is more pronounced, with six additional rigs operating compared to the 20 rigs recorded on April 14.

The steady but elevated rig count suggests operators are maintaining a consistent capital allocation to drilling programs in the Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. A rig count in the mid-20s aligns with a period of focused, efficient development, as companies prioritize drilling the most productive wells within their acreage.

In broader industry news, major operator ExxonMobil is contending with shareholder concerns over its proposed corporate move to Texas. According to a report from Rigzone published May 13, the oil and gas giant is fighting calls from the New York City Comptroller's Office and proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis for shareholders to vote down the relocation proposal. ExxonMobil insists the move will not erode shareholder rights. While this corporate governance issue is not directly related to day-to-day drilling operations, it highlights the ongoing strategic and financial considerations facing large energy companies with assets in basins like the Bakken.

For Bakken operators and royalty owners, the current rig activity level indicates a stable pace of new well development. The count is a key indicator of future production potential, as new wells drilled today will contribute to oil output in the coming months. The consistent number over the past week, coupled with the clear upward trend from earlier this spring, provides a measure of predictability for local service companies and the state's oil-dependent economy.