Environment and Energy

Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts Continue to Improve

Written by Brett Linton

June 23, 2017

According to Baker Hughes data from June 23, 2017, the US rig count for the week was 941 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This is up 8 rigs compared to last week, with oil rigs up 11 to 758 rigs, gas down up 3 to 183 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0 rigs. Active US rigs have increased week over week for the past 23 weeks (see first graph below). Compared to this time last year, the 941 count is up 520 rigs, with oil rigs up 428, gas rigs up 93, and miscellaneous rigs down 1.

The Canadian rig count increased by 11 to 170 rigs this past week, with oil rigs up 7 to 98 rigs, gas rigs up 4 to 72 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0 rigs. Active Canadian rigs have increased week over week for the last 6 weeks, following an 11 week period of consecutively weekly declines (see second graph below). Compared to last year the 170 count is up 94 rigs, with oil rigs up 62, gas rigs up 33, and miscellaneous rigs down 1.

International rigs increased by 1 to 957 rigs for the month of May, an increase of 2 rigs from the same month one year ago. For a history of both the US and Canadian rig count, visit the Rig Count page on 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.

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