North American rig count jumps by 46 to 1,750

Ray Tyson

The number of rotary rigs operating in North America during the week ending Dec. 10 stood at 1,750, an increase of 46 rigs compared to the previous week and an increase of 156 rigs vs. the same period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada accounted for most of the increase in rigs during the recent week, rising by 41 rigs from the prior week to total 500. Canada’s rig count also was up by 15 compared to the year-ago period.

The number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week increased by five to 1,250 compared to the previous week and increased by 141 compared to the same period last year. Compared to the previous week alone, offshore rigs increased by three to 108, while land rigs increased by one to 1,122 and inland water rigs increased by one to 20.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,070 were drilling for natural gas and 178 for oil, while two were being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 799 were vertical wells, 324 directional wells and 127 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing U.S. states, Oklahoma picked up six rigs during the recent week to total 147, while Wyoming picked up six rigs to total 77. Louisiana’s rig count increased by five to 173, California’s increased by two to 27 rigs and Alaska’s increased by one to 10 rigs. New Mexico was unchanged with 73 rigs. Texas’ rig count plummeted by 13 to 533.