By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Nov. 5 -- US drilling activity increased by 17 rotary rigs to 1,268 working, the highest level since July 27, 2001, when there were 1,275 rigs drilling, Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday. That's up from 1,114 active rigs a year ago.
Land operations accounted for the bulk of the increase, up by 13 rigs to 1,149 making hole. Offshore drilling increased by 3 units to 91 in the Gulf of Mexico and 96 for the US as a whole. Inland waters added 1 rig for a total of 23.
Canada's weekly rig count shot up by 60 to 432 working this week, up from 378 at the same time last year.
Baker Hughes also reported an average 1,329 workover rigs were active in the US during October, up from 1,293 in September and 1,132 a year ago. Canada had an average 721 workover rigs on jobs last month, up from 621 in September and 373 a year ago.