Steel Markets

Oil & Gas Drilling Rigs Data

Written by Brett Linton

October 17, 2014

According to Baker Hughes data from October 17th 2014, the U.S rig count for this week is 1,918 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This count represents a decrease of 12 rigs compared to last week, with oil rigs down 19 to 1,590 rigs, gas rigs up 8 to 328 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 0 rigs. Compared to last year the 1,918 count is an increase of 179 rigs, with oil rigs up by 229 gas rigs down by 44, and miscellaneous rigs down by 6.

The Canadian rig count decreased by 3 to 417 rigs this week, with oil rigs down 1 to 231 rigs and gas rigs down 2 to 186 rigs. Compared to last year the 417 count is an increase of 29 rigs, with oil rigs down by 4 and gas rigs up by 33. International rigs decreased by 16 to 1,323 rigs for the month of September, an increase of 39 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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