Environment and Energy

Oil & Gas Rigs Counts Decline in US and Canada

Written by Brett Linton

February 12, 2016

According to Baker Hughes data from February 12, 2016, the U.S rig count for the week was 541 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This is a decrease of 30 rigs when compared to last week, with oil rigs down 28 to 439 rigs, gas rigs down 2 to 102 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0 rigs. Compared to this time last year, the 541 count is down 817 rigs, with oil rigs down 617, gas rigs down 198, and miscellaneous rigs down 2.

The Canadian rig count decreased by 20 to 222 rigs this past week, with oil rigs down 13 to 118 rigs and gas rigs down 7 to 104 rigs. Compared to last year the 222 count is a decrease of 160 rigs, with oil rigs down 80 and gas rigs down 80. International rigs decreased by 50 to 1,045 rigs for the month of January, a decrease of 213 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

Brett Linton is a senior 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.

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