Environment and Energy
Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts: Mixed Start to 2019
Written by Brett Linton
January 4, 2019
The U.S. active rotary rig count, an indicator of oil country tubular goods demand, declined week over week, according to oilfield services company Baker Hughes. The number of active U.S. rigs fell by 8 to 1,075, with oil rigs down 8 to 877 rigs, gas rigs unchanged at 198 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0 rigs. Compared to this time last year, the 1,075 count is up 151 rigs, with oil rigs up 135, gas rigs up 16, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. See the first graph below for a history of active U.S. rig counts.
The Canadian rig count rose by 6 to 76 rigs, in line with typical seasonal swings, with oil rigs up 5 to 20 rigs, gas rigs up 1 to 56 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0. Compared to last year, the 76 count is down 98 rigs, with oil rigs down 78, gas rigs up 20, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. See the second graph below for a history of active Canadian rig counts.
International rigs decreased by 26 to 991 rigs for the month of November, an increase of 49 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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