US rig count hits 6-week high

Nov. 7, 2008
US drilling activity climbed by 21 rotary rigs to 1,992 units drilling this week—the highest count in 6 weeks—vs. 1,801 working in the same period a year ago, said Baker Hughes Inc.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Oct. 7 -- US drilling activity climbed by 21 rotary rigs to 1,992 units drilling this week—the highest count in 6 weeks—vs. 1,801 working in the same period a year ago, said Baker Hughes Inc.

Land operations accounted for most of the increase, up 20 units to 1,907 working. Inland waters activity increased by 3 rigs to a total of 22. Offshore drilling was down by 2 rigs to 63 in federal coastal waters, including 60 in the Gulf of Mexico.

Of the rigs working this week, those drilling for oil increased by 34 to 442. The number drilling for natural gas declined 13 to 1,539; 11 units were unclassified. Directional drilling increased by 12 to 393 rigs. Horizontal drilling was down 6 to 644.

Texas had the biggest gain among the biggest producing states, up 11 to 922 rigs at work. North Dakota increased by 5 rotary rigs to 90 drilling. Alaska gained 2 rigs to 10 making hole. Louisiana, New Mexico, and California increased by 1 rig each to respective counts of 191, 92, and 46. Rig counts for Colorado and Arkansas were unchanged at 124 and 57, respectively. Wyoming's rig count dipped by 1 to 77. Oklahoma was down 2 rigs to 195.

Canada's weekly rig count increased by 2 to 445 vs. 361 drilling in the same week last year.