Number of rigs active in US up by 11

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The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. increased by 11 the week ending Sept. 18 to 1,010.

Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported that 705 of the rigs were exploring for natural gas and 293 for oil. Twelve were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago this week, the rig count stood at 2,018.

Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Oklahoma lost five rigs, New Mexico lost three, Arkansas and North Dakota each lost one. Texas added nine rigs, Louisiana added three, Wyoming and Colorado each added two and Alaska added one. California was unchanged.

The rig count tally peaked at 4,530 in 1981, during the height of the oil boom. The industry posted a record low of 488 in 1999.

—The Associated Press