Steel Markets

Active Gas & Oil Rig Count: Another 87 Rigs Lost Last Week

Written by Brett Linton


According to Baker Hughes data from February 6th, 2015, the U.S rig count for this week is 1,456 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This count is a decrease of 87 rigs when compared to last week, with oil rigs down 83 to 1,140 rigs, gas rigs down 5 to 314 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs up 1 to 2 rigs. Compared to last year the 1,456 count is a decrease of 315 rigs, with oil rigs down by 276, gas rigs down by 37, and miscellaneous rigs down by 2.

The Canadian rig count decreased by 13 to 381 rigs this week, with oil rigs down 16 to 184 rigs and gas rigs up 3 to 197 rigs. Compared to last year the 381 count is a decrease of 240 rigs, with oil rigs down by 225 and gas rigs down by 15. International rigs decreased by 55 to 1,258 rigs for the month of January, a decrease of 67 rigs from the same month one year ago. For a history of both the US and Canadian rig count click 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 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.

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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