Steel Markets

US and Canadian Rig Counts for Mid-March

Written by Brett Linton

March 14, 2014

According to Baker Hughes data from March 14th, 2014, the U.S rig count for this week is 1,809 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This count is an increase of 17 rigs when compared to last week, with oil rigs up 18 to 1,461 rigs, gas rigs down 1 to 344 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 4 rigs. Compared to last year the 1,809 count is an increase of 33 rigs, with oil rigs up by 120, gas rigs down by 87, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged.

The Canadian rig count decreased by 65 to 522 rigs this week, following the seasonal trend associated with Canadian drill rigs. Oil rigs are down 62 to 327 rigs and gas rigs down 3 to 195 rigs. Compared to last year the 522 count is an increase of 19 rigs, with oil rigs down by 39 and gas rigs up by 58. International rigs increased by 16 to 1,341 rigs for the month of February, an increase of 66 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 senior 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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