U.S. rig count up 20, Canada down 14 in weekly survey

Ray Tyson

Petroleum News Houston correspondent

The number of rotary rigs operating in North America rose by a net six to 1,694 during the week ending Feb. 27, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Compared to the previous week, Canada’s rig count fell by 14 to 560, still up by two rigs versus the same weekly period a year earlier.

The United States gained a net 20 rigs to end the recent week with 1,134 rigs, up by 222 compared to the year-ago period. Land rigs alone jumped by 22 to 1,016, while offshore two rigs were lost for a total of 98. The inland water rig count remained unchanged at 20.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 971 were drilling for natural gas and 158 for oil, while five were being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 740 were drilling vertical wells, 293 directional wells, and 101 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing states in the United States, Oklahoma led the charge, gaining 16 rigs to end the week with 161 rigs. Alaska’s rig count rose by two to 14, Louisiana’s increased by one to 166 and Texas’ rose by one to 483. California’s count slipped by two to 18 rigs, while New Mexico’s decreased by one to 61 rigs.