Canada’s rig count plummets by 112 to 329, United States count up by 38 to 1,320 rigs

The number of rotary rigs operating in North American during the week ending March 18 stood at 1,649, down a net 74 rigs from the previous week but up by 70 rigs from the same period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

The rig count in Canada alone plummeted by 112 to 329 compared to the previous week and down by 122 vs. the year-ago period. The number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week rose by 38 to 1,320 compared to the prior week and rose by 192 from the same period last year. Compared to the previous week only, land rigs increased by 35 to 1,196, while offshore rigs increased by five to 98 and Inland water rigs decreased by two to 26.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,139 were drilling for natural gas and 180 for oil, while one was being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 815 were vertical wells, 347 directional wells and 158 horizontal wells.

Among the largest U.S. producing states during the recent week, Texas scored the largest gain, picking up 28 rigs for a total of 593 rigs. Wyoming gained three rigs for a total of 72, while Louisiana gained three rigs for a total of 187, New Mexico picked up two rigs for a total of 76 and Alaska picked up one rig for a total of 11. Oklahoma’s rig count was down by one to 146 rigs. Colorado was unchanged with 73 rigs.

—Ray Tyson