Baker Hughes: US rig count down 4, Canada continues double-digit drop

The US drilling rig count dropped 4 units to reach 751 rigs working for the week ended Apr. 6, according to Baker Hughes data. The count is up 62 units from the 689 rigs working this time a year ago.

Baker Hughes released its rig count data a day early because of the Good Friday holiday Apr. 7.

The number of rigs drilling on land fell 3 units week-over-week to a total of 733 rigs running. The number of rigs drilling in inland waters remained unchanged at 1 unit. One fewer rig was drilling offshore for a total of 17 rigs working for the week.

US oil-directed rigs decreased by 2 from last week to 590 units. A year ago, 546 units were drilling for oil. Gas-directed rigs fell by 2 to 158 rigs, 17 more than were drilling for gas a year ago.

Only one of the major oil and gas-producing states, Texas, saw an increase in rigs week-over-week. With a total of 377 rigs running, the rig count is up by 1 unit from last week. The count is up 35 from this time a year ago.

Five states dropped a rig this week, namely Colorado, 18; North Dakota, 40; Louisiana, 56; Oklahoma, 58; and New Mexico, 103.  

Canada’s rig count fell by 12 units for the week. At 127 rigs, the count is 16 more than the 111 units drilling this time a year ago. A 6-rig drop brought the oil-directed rig count to 52 for the week. Gas-directed rigs in Canada also decreased by 6 units to reach 75.