By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Oct. 6 -- The number of rotary rigs drilling in the US continues to decline, falling by 20 rigs from 1,744 to 1,724 the week ended Oct. 6, Baker Hughes Inc. reported. This figure represents 243 more than were drilling the same time last year.
US losses primarily were in land rigs, down by 19 total. Louisiana led the decline, down by 8 rigs to 191 working. Oklahoma retired 5 to leave 186 drilling, and Wyoming mothballed 4 rigs to leave 108. Colorado also was down by 3 rigs to 93. Adding 1 rig each were Texas, up to 791; California, up to 35; and Alaska up to 7. New Mexico added 2 rigs to total 91 making hole.
Drilling in inland waters remained static with 22 rigs drilling, but 1 rig was retired offshore, leaving 88 drilling.
At the same time, rig activity in Canada rebounded with the addition of 96 rigs to 449 working. This was up from 353 rigs the previous week but down from 477 the same time a year ago.
