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    January 8, 2021

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

    Written by Brett Linton

    U.S and Canadian active rotary drill rig counts increased this week, according to data released by oilfield services company Baker Hughes. The rig 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 9 this week to 360, with oil rigs up 8, gas rigs up 1, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. Compared to this time last year, this week’s count is down 421 rigs, with oil rigs down 384, gas rigs down 35, and miscellaneous rigs down 2. See the first graph below for a history of active U.S. 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.

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