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    July 28, 2018

    Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts Looking Positive

    Written by Brett Linton

    The U.S. active rig count, an indicator of oil country tubular goods demand, increased this week, according to oilfield services company Baker Hughes. The number of active U.S. rigs rose by 2 to 1,048, with oil rigs up 3 to 861 rigs, gas rigs down 1 to 186 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 1 rig. Compared to this time last year, the 1,048 count is up 90 rigs, with oil rigs up 95, gas rigs down 6, and miscellaneous rigs up 1. See the first graph below for a history of active U.S. rig counts.

    The Canadian rig count rose by 12 to 223 rigs, with oil rigs up 12 to 154 rigs, gas rigs unchanged at 69 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0. Compared to last year, the 223 count is up 3 rigs, with oil rigs up 25, gas rigs down 22, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. See the second graph below for a history of active Canadian rig counts.

    Brett Linton

    Brett Linton is a digital operations 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

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