Canada’s rig count falls by 39, U.S. up by six rigs

Ray Tyson

The number of rotary drilling rigs operating in North America during the week ending Aug. 6 totaled 1,619, down by a net 33 compared to the previous week but up by 148 versus the year-ago period, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada’s rig count in the recent week actually fell by 39 to 384 compared to the prior week and also was down by 13 compared to the same weekly period last year.

The overall loss was partially offset by a six-rig gain in the United States, which ended the recent week with 1,235 rigs, up by 161 rigs compared to the year ago period. Compared to the prior week, the number of land rigs rose by four to 1,118 while inland water rigs increased by two to 19. Offshore rigs remained unchanged at 93.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,064 were drilling for natural gas and 170 for oil, while one rig was being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 775 were vertical wells, 318 directional wells, and 142 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing U.S. states, Louisiana’s rig count increased by six to 168 during the recent week. Texas gained one rig for a total of 515. California remained unchanged with 25 rigs, as well as Oklahoma with 175 rigs and Wyoming with 83 rigs. Alaska’s rig count fell by three to eight, while New Mexico’s slipped by one to 64.