Canada picks up 24 rigs, U.S. gains four in weekly survey

Ray Tyson

The number of rotary drilling rigs operating in North America during the week ending Oct. 1 stood at 1,558, an increase of 28 rigs from the previous week and an increase of 71 rigs compared to the same period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada gained 24 rigs from the prior week for a total of 315. However, that represented a decrease of 81 rigs compared to the year-ago period.

The number of rigs operating in the United States increased by a net four vs. the previous week for a total of 1,243, up 152 compared to the same weekly period last year. Compared to the previous week, U.S. offshore areas picked up 11 rigs for a total of 98, while the number of active land rigs dropped by seven to 1,127. Inland waters remained unchanged with 18 rigs.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,081 were drilling for natural gas and 161 for oil, while one was being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 792 were vertical wells, 331 directional wells, and 120 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing states, Texas gained six rigs during the recent week for a total of 526. Louisiana picked up three rigs for a total of 166. Oklahoma’s rig count increased by two to 162, while Alaska’s increased by one to 12 and California’s increased by one to 24. Wyoming lost six rigs for a total of 81.