U.S. rig count jumps by 15, Canada numbers unchanged

The number of rotary rigs operating in North American during the week ending Feb. 18 totaled 1,884, an increase of 15 rigs from the previous week and an increase of 196 rigs from the same last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada’s rig count during the recent week stood at 589, unchanged from the previous week but up by 15 from the year-ago period.

The number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week increased by 15 to 1,295 from the previous week and was up 181 compared to the same period last year. Compared to the previous week only, land rigs increased by 10 to 1,160, while inland water rigs increased by three to 28 and offshore rigs increased by two to 107.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,096 were drilling for natural gas and 197 for oil, while two were being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 795 were vertical wells, 353 directional wells and 147 horizontal wells.

Among the leading U.S. producing states, Louisiana’s rig count surged by 19 to 196, while Alaska’s increased by three to 12, Colorado’s increased by two to 71 and Wyoming’s increased by one to 67. California’s rig count fell by three to 27, while Texas’ fell by two to 555 and Oklahoma’s fell by one to 157. New Mexico’s rig count was unchanged at 71.

—Ray Tyson