Rig count drops by 40 to 1,968; Canada down 44, U.S. up four in drilling survey

The number of rotary drilling rigs operating in the United States and Canada during the week ending Aug. 19 totaled 1,968, down 40 rigs from the prior week but still up 347 rigs compared to the same weekly period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes. Canada, which accounted for the entire decrease in the North American rig count, lost 44 rigs compared to the previous week for a total of 535 rigs. However, Canada’s rig count was up 144 rigs vs. the year-ago period.

The number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week stood at 1,433, an increase of four rigs compared to the previous week and an increase of 203 rigs from the same period last year. Compared to the previous week only, offshore rigs increased by two to 103 rigs, while inland water rigs increased by two to 24 rigs. Land rigs were unchanged for a total of 1,306 rigs.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,221 rigs were drilling for natural gas and 207 for oil, while five rigs were being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 887 were vertical wells, 356 directional wells and 190 horizontal wells.

Among the leading U.S. producing states, Texas gained five rigs compared to the previous week for a total of 627 rigs. Wyoming picked up two rigs for a total of 80 rigs, while California gained one rig for a total of 27 rigs and Colorado gained one rig for a total of 75 rigs. Oklahoma’s rig count dropped by four to 159 rigs and Louisiana’s fell by one to 201 rigs. Alaska’s rig count was unchanged at nine rigs.

—Ray Tyson