Environment and Energy

Oil & Gas Rigs Counts Drop in US and Canada

Written by Brett Linton


According to Baker Hughes data from February 19, 2016, the U.S rig count for the week was 514 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This is a decrease of 27 rigs when compared to last week, with oil rigs down 26 to 413 rigs, gas rigs down 1 to 101 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0 rigs. Compared to this time last year, the 514 count is down 796 rigs, with oil rigs down 606, gas rigs down 188, and miscellaneous rigs down 2.

The Canadian rig count decreased by 16 to 206 rigs this past week, with oil rigs down 9 to 109 rigs and gas rigs down 7 to 97 rigs. Compared to last year the 206 count is a decrease of 154 rigs, with oil rigs down 75 and gas rigs down 79. 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

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