By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 9 -- US drilling increased by 7 rotary rigs to the highest level so far this year with 1,846 units working, up from 1,740 during the same period a year ago and the largest count reported since Jan. 10, 1986, said Baker Hughes Inc.
Land operations accounted for all of the latest increase, up 7 rigs to 1,754 working. Inland water activity was unchanged with 23 rigs working, and offshore drilling was steady with a total 69 rotary rigs. However, the rig count in the Gulf of Mexico declined by 1 to 66.
Among the rigs working, 361 were drilling for oil; 1,475 were drilling for gas; and 10 were unclassified. Directional drilling increased by 2 rigs to 374. Horizontal drilling declined by 2 rigs to 513.
Texas led the increase, up by 7 rigs to 889 working. California increased by 4 rigs to 40. Wyoming gained 1 to 71. Oklahoma and Alaska were unchanged at 210 and 5, respectively. Colorado declined by 2 rigs to 121. Louisiana and New Mexico lost 3 each to 150 and 76, respectively.
Canada's rig count increased by 27 units to 122, up from 103 rigs working in the same period a year ago.
