Environment and Energy
Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts in U.S. and Canada
Written by Brett Linton
December 20, 2019
The U.S active rig counts increased this past week, while Canadian rig counts declined, according to oilfield services company Baker Hughes. The active drill rigs count is important to the steel industry because it is a leading indicator of oil country tubular goods demand.
The number of active U.S. rigs rose by 14 to 813, with oil rigs up 18, gas rigs down 4, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. Compared to this time last year, the 813 count is down 267 rigs, with oil rigs down 198, gas rigs down 72, and miscellaneous rigs up 3. See the first graph below for a history of active U.S. rig counts.
The Canadian rig count decreased by 4 last week to 149 rigs, with oil rigs down 8 and gas rigs up 4. Compared to last year, the 149 count is up 18 rigs, with oil rigs up 30 and gas rigs down 12. See the second graph below for a history of active Canadian rig counts.
International rigs decreased by 34 to 1,096 rigs for the month of November, an increase of 105 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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