Canada’s rig count drops by 115, U.S. by 5

The combined number of rotary drilling rigs operating in the United States and Canada during the week ending Aug. 16 totaled 1,879, down 120 rigs from the previous week but up 401 rigs compared to the same weekly period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada’s rig count vs. the previous week plummeted by 115 for a total of 443 rigs. However, Canada’s rig count was up by 197 rigs when compared to the year-ago period.

The number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week totaled 1,436, a decrease of five rigs from the prior week but an increase of 204 rigs when compared to the same period last year. Compared to the previous week only, inland water rigs decreased by three to 21, while land rigs slipped by one to 1,326 and offshore rigs slipped by one to 89.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,230 rigs were drilling for natural gas and 202 for oil, while four were deployed for miscellaneous reasons. Of the total, 895 were drilling vertical wells, 350 directional wells and 191 horizontal wells.

Among the leading U.S. producing states, Texas lost 11 rigs vs. the previous week for a total of 627 rigs. New Mexico’s rig count dropped by five to 89, while Louisiana’s declined by four to 185, Wyoming’s fell by three to 83, and Alaska’s slipped by one for a total of six rigs. Colorado gained six rigs for a total 79 rigs. California picked up three rigs for a total of 27 rigs. And Oklahoma gained two rigs for a total of 154 rigs.

—Ray Tyson