Steel Markets
Oil & Gas Drilling Rigs Increasing Over Last Year
Written by Brett Linton
October 31, 2014
According to Baker Hughes data from October 31st 2014, the U.S rig count for this week is 1,929 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This count represents an increase of 2 rigs compared to last week, with oil rigs down 13 to 1,582 rigs, gas rigs up 14 to 346 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs up 1 rig to 1 rig. Compared to last year the 1,929 count is an increase of 187 rigs, with oil rigs up by 206 gas rigs down by 14, and miscellaneous rigs down by 5.
The Canadian rig count increased by 3 to 429 rigs this week, with oil rigs up 5 to 237 rigs and gas rigs down 2 to 192 rigs. Compared to last year the 429 count is an increase of 35 rigs, with oil rigs up by 4 and gas rigs up by 31. 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
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Steel Markets
AISI: Raw steel production bounces back
Domestic mill production rebounded last week, according to the latest production figures released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Production had been historically strong over the summer months before softening in early October.
US sets Section 232 tariffs on trucks and buses
Medium- and heavy-duty trucks (MHDV) and buses imported to the US will start being charged Section 232 tariffs beginning Nov. 1.
Hot-rolled sources say demand continues to dwindle, prices feel arbitrary
Genuine demand, they stated, will return when the market feels stable again.
FabArc Steel Supply completes projects in Mississippi, Georgia
FabArc Steel Supply announced this week the completion of two large-scale projects in Georgia and Mississippi.
Thin demand keeps plate prices hovering at lowest levels since February
Participants in the domestic plate market say spot prices appear to have hit the floor, and they continue to linger there. They say demand for steel remains thin, with plate products no exception.