U.S. Rig Count Down 148 and Canada Up 38 Rigs from Previous Year

Canadian rigs increased by 12 to 341 rigs this week, with oil rigs up 5 to 223 rigs, and gas rigs up 7 to 118 rigs. Compared to last year the 341 count is an increase of 38 rigs, with oil rigs up by 9 and gas rigs up by 29. International rigs increased by 50 to 1,333 rigs last month, an increase of 48 rigs from a year ago.

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 sidetracking 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. SMU recently published an article covering the importance of drilling rigs to the steel industry which can be seen here.

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.