Steel Markets

US and Canada Rig Counts Increase

Written by Brett Linton

January 17, 2014

According to Baker Hughes data from January 17th, 2014, the U.S rig count for this week is 1,777 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This count is an increase of 23 rigs when compared to last week, with oil rigs up 15 to 1,408 rigs, gas rigs up 8 to 365 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 4 rigs. Compared to last year the 1,777 count is an increase of 28 rigs, with oil rigs up by 92, gas rigs down by 64, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged.

The Canadian rig count increased by 88 to 565 rigs this week, with oil rigs up 79 to 379 rigs and gas rigs up 9 to 186 rigs. Compared to last year the 565 count is a decrease of 36 rigs, with oil rigs down by 79 and gas rigs up by 43. International rigs increased by 24 to 1,335 rigs for the month of December, an increase of 82 rigs from the same month one year ago. For a history of both the US and Canadian rig count click here.

About the Rotary Rig Count

A rotary rig is one that rotates the drill pipe from the surface to either drill a new well or sidetracking an existing one. They are drilled to explore for, develop and produce oil or natural gas. The Baker Hughes Rotary Rig count includes only those rigs that are significant consumers of oilfield services and supplies.

The Baker Hughes North American Rotary Rig Count is a weekly census of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the United States and Canada. Rigs considered active must be on location and drilling. They are considered active from the time they break ground until the time they reach their target depth.

The Baker Hughes International Rotary Rig Count is a monthly census of active drilling rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas outside of the United States and Canada. International rigs considered active must be drilling at least 15 days during the month. The Baker Hughes International Rotary Rig Count does not include rigs drilling in Russia or onshore China.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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