Steel Markets

Active Oil and Gas Rigs: US Increases, Canada Decreases

Written by Brett Linton


According to Baker Hughes data from August 8th, 2014, the U.S rig count for this week is 1,908 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This count is an increase of 19 rigs when compared to last week, with oil rigs up 15 to 1,588 rigs, gas rigs up 3 to 316 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs up 1 to 4 rigs. Compared to last year the 1,908 count is an increase of 130 rigs, with oil rigs up by 203 gas rigs down by 70, and miscellaneous rigs down by 3.

The Canadian rig count decreased by 5 to 387 rigs this week, with oil rigs down 4 to 222 rigs and gas rigs down 1 to 165 rigs. Compared to last year the 387 count is an increase of 29 rigs, with oil rigs down by 8 and gas rigs up by 37. International rigs increased by 38 to 1,382 rigs for the month of July, an increase of 77 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

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