Canada’s rig count plummets by 60, U.S. down by two rigs in survey

The combined number of rotary drilling rigs operating in the United States and Canada during the week ending Oct. 7 totaled 1,958, a decrease of 62 rigs from the previous week and an increase of 323 rigs compared to the same period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada’s rig count for the recent week was 477, down 60 rigs from the prior week and up 72 rigs vs. the year-ago period.

The number of total rigs operating in the United States during the recent week stood at 1,481, a net decrease of two rigs compared to the prior week and a net increase of 251 rigs from the same weekly period last year. Compared to the previous week only, offshore rigs decreased by one to total 86 and land rigs decreased by one to total 1,375, while the number of inland water rigs remained unchanged at 20.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,264 rigs were drilling for natural gas and 209 rigs for oil, while eight rigs were being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 926 were vertical wells, 340 directional wells and 215 horizontal wells. Among the leading U.S. producing states during the recent week, Texas lost eight rigs for a total of 663 rigs, while California lost seven rigs for a total of 25 rigs and Louisiana lost two rigs for a total of 174 rigs. Colorado picked up five rigs for a total of 86 rigs. Wyoming gained four rigs for a total of 87 rigs. New Mexico picked up two rigs for a total of 96 rigs. Alaska picked up two rigs for a total of 10 rigs. And Oklahoma gained one rig for a total of 156 rigs.

—Ray Tyson