North American rig count declines by nine to 1,850

The number of rotary drilling rigs operating in the United States and Canada during the week ending Jan. 28 decreased by nine to 1,850 compared to the previous week but was up by 181 rigs vs. the same period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

The Canadian rig count alone decreased by two compared to the previous week but was up by nine rigs compared to the year-ago period.

The number of rigs operating in the United States decreased by seven to 1,256 rigs from the previous week but was up by 172 from a year earlier. Compared to the previous week only, land rigs decreased by 11 to 1,130, while offshore rigs increased by three to 102 and inland water rigs increased by one to 24.

Of the rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,069 were drilling for natural gas and 185 for oil, while two were being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 790 were vertical wells, 331 directional wells, and 135 horizontal wells.

Among the leading U.S. producing states during the recent week, Texas took the single biggest hit, down 11 rigs to 546. Alaska’s rig count was down by two to seven. The number of rigs operating in New Mexico slipped by one to 72, while Colorado’s slipped by one to 65. Louisiana picked up three rigs for a total of 166. California picked up two rigs for a total of 25, while Oklahoma picked up two rigs for a total of 153. Wyoming picked up one rig for a total of 75.

—Ray Tyson