Rig count drops in U.S. and Canada

The rotary rig count in North America, after increasing by a net 42 the previous week, fell by 13 to 1,521 rigs for the week ending Nov. 21, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada lost nine rigs from the prior week to end the recent week at 414 rigs, still up significantly from the 287 rigs that were operating during the same week last year.

In the United States, the total count fell by a net four rigs from the prior week to 1,107, compared to just 826 rigs operating during the same period last year.

Offshore Gulf of Mexico took the biggest hit, falling by eight rigs to 97 versus the prior week. Rigs used for inland water operation slipped by one to 14. However, land rigs increased by five to 992.

Of all rigs operating in the United States during the week, 948 were drilling for natural gas and 157 for oil, while two were being used for miscellaneous purposes. Also, 740 of them were drilling vertical wells, 269 directional wells, and 98 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing states in the United States, Louisiana suffered the biggest drop in rigs, down 10 from the previous week to 155. New Mexico’s count slipped by two to 62 rigs, while Wyoming’s fell by two to 61. Oklahoma’s count increased by six to 143 rigs, while California’s increased by two to 25 and Alaska’s increased by one to 11. Texas remained flat at 474 rigs.