North American rig count jumps to 1,534

The North American rotary rig count, under pressure the past few weeks, surged by 42 to 1,534 rigs during the week ending Nov. 14, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada accounted for most of the increase in the count, rising by 45 from the previous week to 423 rigs. That was 152 more rigs operating in Canada compared to the same period last year.

In the United States, the offshore-inland waters count was unchanged from the prior week while land rigs fell by three, ending the recent week with 1,111 rigs, still up by 281 rigs versus the year-ago period.

Of the rigs operating in the United States, 948 were drilling gas wells and 161 oil wells, while two were used for miscellaneous purposes. Also, 732 rigs were drilling vertical wells, 280 directional wells, and 99 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing states in the United States, California’s rig count fell by four, ending the week with 23 rigs, while Oklahoma’s count slipped by one to 137 rigs. Alaska’s count was down by one to 10 rigs, Texas’ count rose by three to 474 rigs and Louisiana gained one rig to 165. Wyoming gained one rig to 63 and New Mexico’s count was unchanged at 64.