Rig count falls by 9 to 1,364

Ray Tyson

Petroleum News Houston correspondent

The number of rotary rigs operating in North America fell by nine to 1,364 during the week ending May 28, with both Canada and the United States suffering losses, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

The Canadian rig count fell by six to 195 compared to the previous week, and also declined by 63 rigs versus the same period last year.

The total number of rigs operating in the United States in the recent week decreased by three to 1,169, but was up by three compared to the year-ago period. Land rigs alone actually increased by three to 1,059, while offshore rigs decreased by two to 93 and inland water rigs dropped by four to 17.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,012 were drilling for natural gas and 156 for oil, while one was being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 760 were vertical wells, 284 directional wells, and 125 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing states in the United States, Oklahoma gained nine rigs in the recent week for a total of 163 rigs. Wyoming’s rig count was up by two to 72, while New Mexico’s was up by two to 66. Alaska picked up one rig for a total of eight rigs. Louisiana suffered a loss of 11 rigs, dropping its count for the week to 160 rigs. Texas’ rig count fell by six to 501, while California’s decreased by two to 21.