Canada, U.S. rig counts climb by 17 to 1,623 in weekly survey

Ray Tyson

The number of rotary drilling rigs operating in Canada and the United States during the week ending Oct. 29 stood at a combined 1,623, up 17 rigs compared to the previous week and up 140 rigs versus the same weekly period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada accounted for most of the increase in North America during the recent week, rising by 16 to 372 rigs compared to the prior week. However, Canada’s rig count was down by four rigs compared to the same period last year. The U.S. rig count increased by one to 1,251 from the previous week, while increasing by 144 compared to the same period last year. Compared to the previous week alone, the number of inland rigs increased by one to 1,136, while inland water rigs increased by two to 22. Offshore rigs decreased by two to 93.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States, 1,071 were drilling for natural gas and 179 for oil, while one was being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 787 were vertical wells, 331 directional wells and 133 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing states, Oklahoma gained 10 rigs from the prior week for a total of 160 rigs. California picked up one rig for a total of 26 rigs. However, Texas lost five rigs for a total of 529 rigs. Louisiana’s rig count fell by two to 175, while New Mexico’s dipped by two to 63 and Wyoming’s slipped by two to 80. Alaska lost one rig for a total of 10.