Environment and Energy
US Rig Count Continues to Rise
Written by Brett Linton
August 19, 2016
According to Baker Hughes data from August 19, 2016, the U.S rig count for the week was 491 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This is up 10 rigs compared to last week, with oil rigs up 10 to 406 rigs, gas rigs unchanged at 83 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 2 rigs. Compared to this time last year, the 491 count is down 394 rigs, with oil rigs down 268, gas rigs down 128, and miscellaneous rigs up 2.
The Canadian rig count decreased by 5 to 121 rigs this past week, with oil rigs unchanged at 65 rigs, gas rigs down 4 to 56 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 0 rigs. Compared to last year the 121 count is a decrease of 87 rigs, with oil rigs down 32, gas rigs down 55, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. 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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