More than twice as many rigs active today compared to a year ago
Drilling activity in the United States continues to increase with the rig count making a double-digit jump in the week ended April 28, 2017, according to Baker Hughes Industries. The total number of rigs in the U.S. reached 870, up 13 from a week ago. The rig count is now 450 rigs higher than at this time last year.
Rigs drilling for crude oil increased by nine to a total of 697, while those targeting natural gas increased by four to 171. Drilling offshore slowed, with Baker Hughes reporting three fewer rigs offshore week-over-week for a total of 17 offshore rigs.
The Permian continued to see additions to its rig count this week, but it was the Eagle Ford which recorded the largest week-over-week growth. The Eagle Ford reported five additional rigs this week for a total of 83. The Permian remains the most active, however, with 342 rigs this week, up two from this time last week.
The Cana Woodford and Haynesville reported four and one additional rigs, respectively. No basins reported fewer rigs from the previous week.
