Environment and Energy
Active Rig Counts Steady This Week
Written by Brett Linton
September 22, 2017
The weekly U.S. rig count remained steady this week, according to Sept. 8 data from Baker Hughes, a GE Company. The number of active U.S. drill rigs declined 1 to 935 rigs; oil rigs declined 5 to 744 rigs, gas rigs rose 4 to 190 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs were unchanged at 1 rig. Compared to this time last year, the 935 count is up 424 rigs, with oil rigs up 326, gas rigs up 98, and miscellaneous rigs down 1.
The Canadian rig count increased by 8 to 220 rigs this past week, with oil rigs up 10 to 122 rigs, gas rigs down 2 to 98 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0. Compared to last year, the 220 count is up 82 rigs, with oil rigs up 45, gas rigs up 37, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged.
International rigs decreased by 7 to 952 rigs for the month of August, an increase of 15 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
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