Environment and Energy

Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts in December

Written by Brett Linton

December 9, 2017

The weekly U.S. rig count increased this week, according to Dec. 8 data from oilfield services company Baker Hughes. The number of active U.S. drill rigs increased by 2 to 931 rigs, with oil rigs up 2 to 751 rigs, gas rigs unchanged at 180 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0 rigs. Compared to this time last year, the 931 count is up 307 rigs, with oil rigs up 253, gas rigs up 55, and miscellaneous rigs down 1. See the first graph below for a history of active U.S. rig counts.

The Canadian rig count decreased by 3 to 219 rigs this past week, with oil rigs up 1 to 112 rigs, gas rigs down 4 to 107 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0. Compared to last year, the 219 count is down 11 rigs, with oil rigs down 5, gas rigs down 5, and miscellaneous rigs down 1. See the second graph below for a history of active Canadian rig counts.

International rigs decreased by 9 to 942 rigs for the month of November, an increase of 17 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

Brett Linton is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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