Environment and Energy

Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts Up in U.S., Down in Canada

April 23, 2021

The number of active oil and gas drill rigs declined slightly this past week for both the United States and Canada, 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 declined by 1 to 438 rigs, with oil rigs down 1, gas rigs unchanged, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. Compared to this time last year, this week’s count is down 27 rigs, with oil rigs down 35, gas rigs up 9, and miscellaneous rigs down 1. See the first graph below for a history of active U.S. rig counts.

The Canadian rig count fell by 1 to 55 rigs, with oil rigs unchanged, gas rigs down 1, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. Compared to last year, this week’s count is up 29 rigs, with oil rigs up 9, gas rigs up 20, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. See the second graph below for a history of active Canadian rig counts.

International rigs increased by 14 to 715 rigs for the month of March, a decrease of 344 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.

For more in-depth information on the energy market, Steel Market Update publishes a report each month covering oil and natural gas prices, detailed rig count data, and oil stock levels for our Premium members. The most recent report was published in early-April and is available to Premium members 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.

By Brett Linton, Brett@SteelMarketUpdate.com

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.