Environment and Energy

Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts Increase for US and Canada

Written by Brett Linton


According to Baker Hughes data from January 6, 2017, the U.S rig count for the week was 665 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This is up 7 rigs compared to last week, with oil rigs up 4 to 529 rigs, gas rigs up 3 to 135 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 1 rig. Compared to this time last year, the 665 count is up 1 rig, with oil rigs up 13, gas rigs down 13, and miscellaneous rigs up 1.

The Canadian rig count increased by 48 to 205 rigs this past week, with oil rigs up 29 to 81 rigs, gas rigs up 23 to 123 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs down 4 to 1 rig. Compared to last year the 205 count is up 39 rigs, with oil rigs up 10, gas rigs up 28, 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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