By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, June 18 -- US drilling activity continued to fluctuate, dropping by 16 rotary rigs to 1,171 working this week, up from 1,067 during the same period a year ago, Baker Hughes Inc. officials said Friday.
Land operations accounted for the bulk of the loss, down by 15 rigs to 1,055 drilling. Offshore drilling activity dipped by 2 units to 93 in the Gulf of Mexico and 96 in US waters as a whole. The only gain was in inland waters, up by 1 rig to 20 working.
Canada's rig count plunged by 77 units to 196 working this week, down sharply from 337 during the same time last year.