US drilling continues to fluctuate, down 16 rigs this week

June 18, 2004
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.

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.