US, Canadian Drilling Rigs Diverge This Week

The total rig count in the US slipped to 771 total rigs in operation. The number of active oil rigs declined to 610, down 10 from the week prior, while the number of gas rigs increased by six to a total of 156 over the same period. Miscellaneous rigs remain unchanged at two. Compared to this time last year, the US count is up 167 rigs, with oil rigs up 122, gas rigs up 43, and miscellaneous rigs up two, respectively.

As expected, the Canadian rig count is up for a third week, with oil rigs at 153, gas rigs at 88, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. This week’s Canadian count is up 29 rigs compared to levels one year ago, with oil rigs up 19 and gas rigs up 10, respectively.

The international rig count decreased by 10 to 900 rigs for the month of December, and is up 66 rigs from the same month one year ago.

For more in-depth information on the energy market, Steel Market Update publishes an “Energy Update” report each month covering oil and natural gas prices, detailed rig count data, and oil stock levels. Our November report is available here for Premium members.

For a history of both the US 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 to side track an existing one. Wells 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 US 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 US and Canada. International rigs considered active must be drilling for at least 15 days of the month. The Baker Hughes International Rotary Rig Count does not include rigs drilling in Russia or onshore in China.

By David Schollaert, David@SteelMarketUpdate.com