Environment and Energy
Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts through June
Written by Brett Linton
July 5, 2018
The U.S. rig count, an indicator of oil country tubular goods demand, fell this week, according to June 28 data from oilfield services company Baker Hughes. The number of active U.S. drill rigs fell by 5 to 1,047 rigs, with oil rigs down 4 to 858 rigs, gas rigs down 1 to 187 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 2 rigs. Compared to this time last year, the 1,047 count is up 107 rigs, with oil rigs up 102, gas rigs up 3 and miscellaneous rigs up 2. See the first graph below for a history of active U.S. rig counts.
The Canadian rig count rose by 12 to 172 rigs, with oil rigs up 14 to 117 rigs, gas rigs down 2 to 55 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0. Compared to last year, the 172 count is down 17 rigs, with oil rigs up 5, gas rigs down 22, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. See the second graph below for a history of active Canadian rig counts.
International rigs decreased by 11 to 967 rigs for the month of May, an increase of 10 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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