Environment and Energy
Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts in March
Written by Brett Linton
March 23, 2019
The U.S. active rotary rig count, an indicator of oil country tubular goods demand, decreased this week, according to oilfield services company Baker Hughes. The number of active U.S. rigs fell by 10 to 1,016, with oil rigs down 9 and gas rigs down 1. Compared to this time last year, the 1,016 count is up 21 rigs, with oil rigs up 20, gas rigs up 2, and miscellaneous rigs down 1. See the first graph below for a history of active U.S. rig counts.
As typically seen with the the March/April downward trend, the Canadian rig count fell by 56 to 105 rigs, with oil rigs down 49 and gas rigs down 7. Compared to last year, the 105 count is down 56 rigs, with oil rigs down 44 and gas rigs down 12. See the second graph below for a history of active Canadian rig counts.
International rigs increased by 3 to 1,027 rigs for the month of February, an increase of 48 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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