Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts Rise in U.S., Fall in Canada

The number of active oil and gas drill rigs increased this past week for the United States, while the Canadian rig count declined, 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 2 to 455 rigs, with oil rigs up 4, gas rigs down 1, and miscellaneous rigs down 1. Compared to this time last year, this week’s count is up 137 rigs, with oil rigs up 119, gas rigs up 20, 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.