The US drilling rig count fell 2 units, reaching 263 rigs working during a week that was shortened by the Fourth of July holiday, according to Baker Hughes data. The count is down 700 units from the 963 rigs working this time a year ago.
The number of rigs drilling on land dropped 3 units week-over-week to a total of 251 units. The number of rigs drilling in inland waters was unchanged at 0 units for the week. The number of rigs drilling offshore increased by 1 to 12.
US oil-directed rigs decreased by 3 from last week to reach 185 units. This time a year ago, 788 units were drilling for oil. Rigs targeting gas increased by 1 unit to reach 76 rigs, 98 fewer than were drilling for gas at this time a year ago.
Two of the major oil and gas-producing states saw a 1-unit increase. West Virginia ended the week with 6 units working, while Wyoming ended the week with 1.
New Mexico dropped 2 rigs for the week to land at 48. Rig counts in Louisiana and Ohio dropped by one to 31 and 8 rigs running, respectively.
Eight states remained unchanged this week, namely Texas, 112; Pennsylvania, 22; Oklahoma, 10; North Dakota, 10; Colorado, 5; California, 4; Alaska, 3; and Utah, 0.
Canada’s rig count increased by 5 units for the week. At 18 rigs, the count is 102 fewer than the 120 units drilling this week a year ago. With 6 rigs drilling, Canada’s oil-directed rigs increased by 2 for the week. Gas-directed rigs in Canada increased by 3 units to reach 12.