North American rig count up by two to 1,933 in weekly drilling survey

The number of rotary drilling rigs operating in the United States and Canada during the week ending July 29 stood at a net 1,933, an increase of two rigs from the previous week and an increase of 281 rigs from the same period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada’s rig count was 521, no change from the previous week but an increase of 98 rigs compared to the same weekly period last year.

The number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week stood at 1,412, up two rigs from the previous week and up 183 rigs vs. the year-ago period. Compared to the previous week only, offshore rigs increased by two rigs to 106, while land rigs remained unchanged at 1,282 and inland water rigs remained unchanged at 24.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,221 were drilling for natural gas and 189 for oil, while two were being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 874 were vertical wells, 349 directional wells and 189 horizontal wells.

Among the leading U.S. producing states, Texas added 12 rigs during the recent week for a total of 628 rigs. Colorado gained two rigs for a total of 71 rigs. However, New Mexico’s rig count fell by six to 82, while Louisiana’s dipped by four to 198 rigs, Wyoming’s fell by three to 75 rigs and California’s dipped by two to 25 rigs. Alaska’s rig count was unchanged at eight, as well as Oklahoma’s at 148.

—Ray Tyson