Environment and Energy
Active Rig Counts Dip This Week
Written by Brett Linton
August 4, 2017
The weekly U.S. rig count took a slight dip, according to Aug. 4 data from oilfield services company Baker Hughes, Inc. The oil rig count declined by 1 to 765 rigs, while the gas rig count declined by 3 to 189 rigs, for a total of 954. The miscellaneous rig count was unchanged. Compared to this time last year, the 954 count is up 490 rigs, with oil rigs up 384, gas rigs up 108, and miscellaneous rigs down 2.
The Canadian rig count decreased by 3 to 217 rigs this past week, with oil rigs down 5 to 124 rigs, gas rigs up 2 to 93 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. Compared to last year, the 217 count is up 95 rigs, with oil rigs up 64, gas rigs up 3, and miscellaneous rigs down 2.
International rigs increased by 3 to 960 rigs for the month of June, an increase of 33 rigs from the same month one year ago. For a history of both the U.S. and Canadian rig count, visit the Rig Count page on 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 sidetrack 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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