Canada gains 18 rigs, U.S. picks up 6 in weekly drilling survey

The combined number of rotary rigs operating in the United States and Canada during the week ending Oct. 28 totaled 2,065, a net increase of 24 rigs from the previous week and an increase of 442 rigs compared to the same period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada’s rig count for the recent week totaled 585, up 18 rigs compared to the prior week and up 213 rigs compared to the year-ago period.

The number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week totaled 1,480, a net increase of six rigs from the previous week and an increase of 229 rigs from the year-ago period. Compared to the prior week only, land rigs increased by seven to 1,372, while offshore rigs decreased by one to 87. Inland waters rigs were unchanged at 21.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,247 were drilling for natural gas and 227 for oil, while six rigs were being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 932 were vertical wells, 346 directional wells and 202 horizontal wells.

Among the leading U.S. producing states during the recent week, California picked up seven rigs for a total of 31 rigs, while Wyoming gained four rigs for a total of 88 rigs. New Mexico’s rig count dropped by five to 92, while Texas’ slipped by one to 665 rigs, Oklahoma’s fell by one to 153 rigs, Louisiana’s fell by one to 176 rigs and Colorado’s slipped by one to 86 rigs. Alaska was unchanged with eight rigs.

—Ray Tyson