Environment and Energy

Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts in March

Written by Brett Linton

March 17, 2017

According to Baker Hughes data from March 17, 2017, the U.S rig count for the week was 789 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This is up 21 rigs compared to last week, with oil rigs up 14 to 631 rigs, gas rigs up 6 to 157 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs up 1 to 1 rig. Compared to this time last year, the 789 count is up 313 rigs, with oil rigs up 244, gas rigs up 68, and miscellaneous rigs up 1.

The Canadian rig count decreased by 39 to 276 rigs this past week, with oil rigs down 31 to 149 rigs, gas rigs down 10 to 125 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs up 2 to 2 rigs. Compared to last year the 276 count is up 207 rigs, with oil rigs up 137, gas rigs up 68, and miscellaneous rigs up 2. International rigs increased by 8 to 941 rigs for the month of February, a decrease of 77 rigs from the same month one year ago. For a history of both the US and Canadian rig count, visit the Steel Market Update website 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.

Read more from Brett Linton

Latest in Environment and Energy