Environment and Energy

Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts: The Trend Continues

Written by Brett Linton


According to Baker Hughes data from April 28, 2017, the US rig count for the week was 870 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This is up 13 rigs compared to last week, with oil rigs up 9 to 697 rigs, gas rigs up 4 to 171 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 2 rigs. Compared to this time last year, the 870 count is up 450 rigs, with oil rigs up 365, gas rigs up 84, and miscellaneous rigs up 1.

The Canadian rig count decreased by 14 to 85 rigs this past week, with oil rigs down 9 to 24 rigs, gas rigs down 5 to 61 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0 rigs. Compared to last year the 85 count is up 48 rigs, with oil rigs up 14, gas rigs up 35, 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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