Environment and Energy

Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts in U.S. and Canada

Written by Brett Linton

January 17, 2020

U.S and Canadian active rig counts increased this past week, according to oilfield services company Baker Hughes. The active drill rigs count is important to the steel industry because it is a leading indicator of oil country tubular goods demand.

The number of active U.S. rigs rose by 15 to 796, with oil rigs up 14, gas rigs up 1, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. Compared to this time last year, the 796 count is down 254 rigs, with oil rigs down 179, gas rigs down 78, and miscellaneous rigs up 3. See the first graph below for a history of active U.S. rig counts.

Rebounding from its seasonal New Year’s dip, the Canadian rig count increased by 41 last week to 244 rigs, with oil rigs up 32 and gas rigs up 9. Compared to last year, the 244 count is up 35 rigs, with oil rigs up 24 and gas rigs up 11. See the second graph below for a history of active Canadian rig counts.

International rigs increased by 8 to 1,104 rigs for the month of December, an increase of 79 rigs from the same month one year ago. For a history of both the U.S. 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 sidetrack 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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