North American rig count up by six to 1,669 by Jan. 30

Petroleum News

The North American rotary rig count increased by six to 1,669 during the week ending Jan. 30, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes. The Canadian rig count continued to ramp up for the winter drilling season, increasing by nine from the previous week to 585 rigs. The count also was 33 ahead of the same period last year.

In the United States, the number of operating rigs fell by a net three to 1,084 but was still ahead by 211 rigs compared to the same weekly period last year. The number of land rigs actually increased by two to end the recent week at 973. But offshore rigs decreased by three to 96, while inland water rigs declined by two to 15.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States, 938 were drilling for natural gas and 142 for oil, while four were being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 722 were vertical wells, 268 directional wells and 94 horizontal wells.

Among the leading U.S. producing states, Texas’ rig count increased five to 462. Alaska’s increased by two to 10. Oklahoma was up by one rig to 147. Wyoming’s count fell by five rigs to 66. Louisiana’s was down by five rigs to 150. And California’s count dropped by one to 17. New Mexico was unchanged at 61 rigs.