U.S.-Canadian drilling rig count rises by nine to 1,492

The North American rotary rig count increased by nine to 1,492 during the week ending Nov. 7, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

The number of rigs operating in Canada rose by two from the previous week to 378, and was up by 116 rigs compared to the same weekly period a year earlier.

In the United States, the number of all rigs operating increased by a net seven from the prior week to 1,114, and was up by 288 rigs compared to the same period last year. Land rigs during the recent week increased by seven to 990, while offshore rigs increased by four to 109 and inland water rigs decreased by four to 15.

Of the rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 952 were drilling for natural gas and 160 for oil, while two were being used for miscellaneous purposes. Rigs were drilling 742 vertical wells, 272 directional wells and 100 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing states in the United States, Texas added six rigs for a total of 471 rigs, Alaska’s rig count increased by one to 11 rigs, while California added one rig for a total of 27 rigs. Louisiana’s count fell by four to 164 rigs. Wyoming fell by four to 62 rigs. Oklahoma was down by two to 138 rigs. And New Mexico fell by one to 64 rigs.