The latest rig count from Houston-based Baker Hughes shows an increase nationally and in Oklahoma. The firm that services oil and gas rigs nationally reported the U.S. count grew by 2 to reach 524 while the Oklahoma count added two as well, hitting 70 active rigs.
Nationally, the number of oil rigs grew by 3 in the past week to hit 428 while the number of gas rigs slipped by two, hitting 94. Compared to a year ago, the U.S. rig count based on Baker Hughes services, was down 291 from 795. That includes a loss of 177 oil rigs and 95 gas rigs.
In Oklahoma, the rig count of 70 compares to 91 a year ago. Baker Hughes reported no active rigs in Kansas, but again that number is based on its business activity there. The Red Top Rig Report compiled by the Independent Oil and Gas Service Inc. reported the actual rig count in Kansas was 37 as of this week. Thirty-one others were pending assignment, resulting in an active rig count of 68.
Colorado’s count slipped by one to hit 19 while Louisiana added one and reached 42. New Mexico was down one to 29. North Dakota remained at 30. Texas reached 247 after adding two rigs.
The Permian Basin in West Texas and New Mexico remained the most active oil and gas play in the U.S. with 203 rigs, one less than a week ago. The Eagle Ford in south Texas fell by one to reach 35. The Marcelluls remained at 32 and the Williston stayed at 30. The D.J. Niobrara in Colorado fell by one to 16.
Oklahoma’s Granite Wash was steady at 10 while its Mississippian had only three active rigs, same as last week. Oklahoma’s Arkoma Woodford had four rigs compared to none last week and 8 a year ago. The state’s Ardmore Woodford, according to Baker Hughes services, has no active rigs. A year ago, it had two.