Environment and Energy
Active Oil & Gas Rig Counts Continue to Rise
Written by Brett Linton
August 12, 2016
According to Baker Hughes data from August 12, 2016, the U.S rig count for the week was 481 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This is up 17 rigs compared to last week, with oil rigs up 15 to 396 rigs, gas rigs up 2 to 83 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 2 rigs. Compared to this time last year, the 481 count is down 403 rigs, with oil rigs down 276, gas rigs down 128, and miscellaneous rigs up 1.
The Canadian rig count increased by 4 to 126 rigs this past week, with oil rigs up 5 to 65 rigs, gas rigs unchanged at 60 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 1 rigs Compared to last year the 126 count is a decrease of 85 rigs, with oil rigs down 35, gas rigs down 51, and miscellaneous rigs up 1. International rigs increased by 11 to 938 rigs for the month of July, a decrease of 180 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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