Canada’s rig count up by 28; U.S gains 6

The number of rotary drilling rigs operating in the United States and Canada during the week ending July 22 totaled 1,931, a net increase of 34 rigs compared to the previous week and a net increase of 335 rigs compared to the same period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

The Canadian rig count alone during the recent week was 521, up 28 rigs from the previous week and up 141 rigs from the year-ago period.

The number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week totaled 1,410, an increase of six rigs compared to the previous week and an increase of 194 rigs versus the same period last year. Compared to the previous week alone, offshore rigs increased by six to 104, while land rigs increased by one to total 1,282 rigs. Inland water rigs decreased by one to total 24 rigs.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,228 were drilling for natural gas and 181 for oil, while one rig was being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 882 were vertical wells, 335 directional wells and 173 horizontal wells.

Among the leading U.S. producing states during the recent week, Louisiana picked up eight rigs for a total of 202 rigs, while California picked up four rigs for a total of 27 rigs, Colorado gained one rig for a total of 69 rigs and Wyoming gained one rig for a total 78 rigs. Texas lost three rigs during the recent week for a total of 616 rigs. Oklahoma lost three rigs for a total of 148 rigs. New Mexico lost two rigs for a total of 88 rigs and Alaska’s rig count dipped by two to total eight rigs.

—Ray Tyson