North America rig count rallies, jumping 26 to 1,547

The North American rotary rig account, after falling by 13 the previous week, rose by 26 to total 1,547 rigs for the week ending Nov. 26, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada accounted for most of the increase, rising from the previous week by 20 to 434 rigs, up by 105 rigs compared to the same period last year.

There were 1,113 rigs operating in United States during the recent week, up by a net six rigs compared to the previous week and up by 278 rigs versus the year-ago period. Land rigs increased by three to 995, while offshore rigs increased by three to 100 and inland water rigs were unchanged at 14. However, despite the three rig increase in offshore rigs, the count was still seven below the same period last year.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States, 959 were drilling for natural gas and 152 for oil, while two rigs were being used for miscellaneous purposes, according to Baker Hughes. Of the total, 748 were drilling vertical wells, 271 directional wells, and 94 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing states in the United States, New Mexico led with eight additional rigs to total 70. Wyoming’s rig count increased by four to 65, Louisiana’s increased by two to 157 rigs, while Oklahoma’s increased by two to 145. Alaska remained unchanged at 11 rigs, and Texas was unchanged 474 rigs.