U.S. gains 12 rigs, Canada loses 11

Ray Tyson

Petroleum News Houston correspondent

The number of rotary drilling rigs operating in North America during the week ending April 16 increased by one to 1,287 rigs, and was up by 184 rigs compared to the same period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

The Canadian rig count, due in part to a winding down of the winter drilling season, continued its decline during the recent week, falling by 11 to 137, but was up by 28 rigs versus the year-ago period.

The total number of rigs operating in the United States increased by 12 from the previous week to 1,150, up by 156 rigs compared to the same period last year. Land rigs accounted for the entire gain. Offshore rigs were unchanged at 91, as well as inland water rigs at 16.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 992 were drilling for natural gas and 156 for oil, while two were being used for miscellaneous purposes, according to Baker Hughes. Of the total, 755 were drilling vertical wells, 289 directional wells, and 106 horizontal well.

Among the leading producing states in the United States, Oklahoma gained four rigs for a total of 162, while California’s rig count rose by one to 24. New Mexico’s rig count fell by four to 61. Texas was down by three rigs to 499. Wyoming was down by four rigs to 57. Louisiana was down by three rigs to 167. And Alaska was down by two rigs to 10.