U.S. rig count down by 18, Canada up by one in weekly Baker Hughes survey

The number of rotary rigs operating in North America during the week ending April 29 stood at 1,485, a decrease of 17 rigs from the previous week but an increase of 169 rigs from the same weekly period a year ago, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

The Canadian rig count increased by one to 160 compared to the previous week and was up by five rigs vs. the year-ago period.

The number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week decreased by a net 18 to 1,325 rigs compared to the previous week but was up by 164 rigs compared to the year-ago period. Compared to the previous week alone, land rigs plummeted by 23 while inland water rigs increased by three to 29 and offshore rigs increased by two to 90 rigs. Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,156 were drilling for natural gas and 169 for oil. Of the total, 842 were vertical wells, 316 directional wells and 167 horizontal wells.

Among the leading U.S. producing states during the recent week, Wyoming lost eight rigs for a total of 68 rigs, while New Mexico’s rig count fell by seven to 78 rigs, Colorado’s fell by six to 63 rigs, Alaska’s slipped by one to eight rigs and Texas’ slipped by one to 601 rigs. Oklahoma picked up six rigs for a total of 158 rigs. Louisiana picked up four rigs for a total of 178 rigs. California remained unchanged with 30 rigs.

—Ray Tyson