Environment and Energy
Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts Increase in US and Canada
Written by Brett Linton
December 9, 2016
According to Baker Hughes data from December 9, 2016, the U.S rig count for the week was 624 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This is up 27 rigs compared to last week, with oil rigs up 21 to 498 rigs, gas rigs up 6 to 125 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 1 rig. Compared to this time last year, the 624 count is down 85 rigs, with oil rigs down 26, gas rigs down 60, and miscellaneous rigs up 1.
The Canadian rig count increased by 30 to 230 rigs this past week, with oil rigs up 17 to 117 rigs, gas rigs up 14 to 112 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 1 rig. Compared to last year the 230 count is up 56 rigs, with oil rigs up 44, gas rigs up 11, and miscellaneous rigs up 1. International rigs increased by 5 to 925 rigs for the month of November, a decrease of 184 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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