Environment and Energy
US Rig Count Continues March Higher
Written by Brett Linton
April 22, 2017
According to Baker Hughes data from April 21, 2017, the US rig count for the week was 857 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This is up 10 rigs compared to last week, with oil rigs up 5 to 688 rigs, gas rigs up 5 to 167 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 2 rigs. Compared to this time last year, the 857 count is up 426 rigs, with oil rigs up 345, gas rigs up 79, and miscellaneous rigs up 2.
The Canadian rig count decreased by 19 to 99 rigs this past week, with oil rigs down 7 to 33 rigs, gas rigs down 12 to 66 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0 rigs. Compared to last year the 99 count is up 59 rigs, with oil rigs up 21, gas rigs up 39, and miscellaneous rigs down 1. International rigs increased by 2 to 943 rigs for the month of March, a decrease of 42 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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