North American rig count rebounds to 1,473

The North American rotary rig count posted an increase of 15 rigs to 1,473 rigs for the week ending Sept. 12, recovering somewhat from the previous week's 51-rig loss, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

The largest weekly increase came in Canada where the rig count rose by 11 to 378. Canada had suffered a loss of 40 operating rigs the prior week. Still, Canada's rig count is up a net 137 compared to the same period last year.

In the United States, the overall rig count increased by four to 1,095, and was up by 232 rigs versus the year-ago weekly period. Lands rigs alone rose by two to 967 during the week ending Sept. 12, while inland water rigs increased by two and Gulf of Mexico rigs remained unchanged at 107.

Of the rigs operating in North America during the most recent week, 928 were used to drill gas wells and 165 were used to drill oil wells. Two rigs were used for miscellaneous jobs. Of the wells drilled, 719 were vertical, 284 directional and 92 horizontal.

Among the leading producing states in the United States, Texas lost the greatest number of drilling rigs for a second consecutive week, down by nine to 472 rigs. Texas lost 10 rigs during the previous week.

New Mexico's rig count increased by six to 72. Louisiana rose by five to 157 rigs. Wyoming increased by two to 64 rigs. And Alaska increased by one to seven rigs. Oklahoma remained unchanged at 140 rigs. California fell by one to 22.