U.S., Canada rig counts rise to 1,607

Petroleum News

North America’s rotary weekly rig count rose by 13 to 1,607 during the week ending Dec. 19, with increases occurring in both the United States and Canada, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

The number of rigs operating in Canada increased by 10 from the previous week to 495, up by 85 rigs compared to the same period last year.

In the United States, the total rig count increased by three from the prior week to 1,112, up by 252 rigs from the same period last year. Land rigs increased by two to 988, while the offshore count was up by one to 106. The inland water rig count was unchanged at 18.

Off the total number of rigs operating in the United States, 956 were drilling for natural gas and 154 for oil, while two rigs were being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 744 rigs were drilling vertical wells, 269 directional wells, and 99 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing states in the United States, Texas gained seven rigs for a total of 480 rigs, according to Baker Hughes. Louisiana’s rig count increased by one to 162, New Mexico’s increased by one to 66 rigs and California’s was up by one to 23. Oklahoma’s count decreased by six to 127, and Alaska’s decreased by one to 12.