U.S. rig count jumps by 21, Canada down by 48 in weekly survey

The number of rotary rigs operating in North America during the week ending April 15 stood at 1,508, a net decrease of 27 rigs from the previous week but a net gain of 221 rigs compared to the same period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada’s rig count alone dropped by 48 to 160 compared to the prior week, but was up by 23 rigs vs. the year-ago period.

The number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week stood at 1,349, an increase of 21 rigs compared to the previous week and an increase of 198 rigs compared to the same period last year. Compared to the prior week alone, land rigs increased by 21 to 1,224, while offshore rigs increased by one to 96; inland water rigs decreased by one to 28.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,175 were drilling for natural gas and 173 for oil. Of the total, 850 were vertical wells, 334 directional wells and 164 horizontal wells.

Among the leading U.S. producing states, Oklahoma gained seven rigs during the recent week for a total of 153 rigs, while California picked up seven rigs for a total of 31 rigs. Louisiana’s rig count increased by five to 183 rigs, while New Mexico’s increased by three to 82 and Alaska’s increased by one to 12. Texas’ rig count fell by five to 594. Wyoming was unchanged at 76 rigs, as well as Colorado with 71 rigs.

—Ray Tyson