Environment and Energy
Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts in November
Written by Brett Linton
November 17, 2017
The weekly U.S. rig count increased this week, according to Nov. 17 data from oilfield services company Baker Hughes. The number of active U.S. drill rigs increased by 8 to 915 rigs, with oil rigs unchanged at 738 rigs, gas rigs up 8 to 177 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0 rigs. Compared to this time last year, the 915 count is up 327 rigs, with oil rigs up 267, gas rigs up 61, and miscellaneous rigs down 1. See the first graph below for a history of active U.S. rig counts.
The Canadian rig count increased by 5 to 208 rigs this past week, with oil rigs up 1 to 109 rigs, gas rigs up 4 to 99 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0. Compared to last year, the 208 count is up 24 rigs, with oil rigs up 9, gas rigs up 15, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. See the second graph below for a history of active Canadian rig counts.
International rigs increased by 20 to 951 rigs for the month of October, an increase of 31 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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