Rig count jumps by 144 to 1,596, Canada accounts for 96 percent of the increase

Ray Tyson

The number of rotary drilling rigs operating in North America during the week ending July 23 jumped to 1,596, up 144 from the previous week and up 81 compared to the same period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada accounted for 96 percent of the increase, soaring by 138 rigs to 380 versus the previous week but still down by 44 rigs compared to the same weekly period a year ago. The number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week increased by five to 1,216 compared to the prior week and was up by 125 rigs compared to the year-ago period. Compared to the prior week, land rigs alone increased by three to 1,097, while offshore rigs increased by two to 99. Inland waters rigs were unchanged at 20.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,047 were drilling for natural gas and 168 for oil, while one was being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 757 were vertical wells, 333 directional wells, and 126 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing states in the United States, Oklahoma saw the largest increase in rigs during the recent week, jumping by nine to 178. Texas gained six rigs for a total of 508. Louisiana picked up two rigs for a total of 168. And New Mexico gained one rig for a total of 66. Wyoming’s rig count fell by three to 80, while California’s dropped by two to 25. Alaska lost one rig for a total of 10.