Environment and Energy

Active Gas & Oil Rig Count in Mid-January

Written by Brett Linton


According to Baker Hughes data from January 22, 2016, the U.S rig count for the week was 637 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This is a decrease of 13 rigs when compared to last week, with oil rigs down 5 to 510 rigs, gas rigs down 8 to 127 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0 rigs. Compared to this time last year, the 637 count is down 996 rigs, with oil rigs down 807, gas rigs down 189, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged.

The situation in Canada has started to improve over the last few weeks. The Canadian rig count increased by 23 to 250 rigs this past week, with oil rigs up 24 to 134 rigs and gas rigs down 1 to 116 rigs. Compared to last year the 250 count is a decrease of 182 rigs, with oil rigs down 89 and gas rigs down 93. International rigs decreased by 14 to 1,095 rigs for the month of December, a decrease of 218 rigs from the same month one year ago. For a history of both the US and Canadian rig count, visit 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 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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