The latest weekly oil and gas rig count yielded some surprises along with declines for Oklahoma and the nation, according to Houston-based Baker Hughes Company.
The nation’s rig count dropped by one to reach 935, down from a year ago when it had 511 working rigs. Oklahoma’s count fell by three in the past week to reach 127 compared to the 67 active rigs from a year ago.
Canada’s rig count continued to mount, adding eight in the past week, reaching 220. Canada had 138 working rigs a year ago.
Three surrounding states also added rigs this week. Louisiana showed the most growth, adding three new rigs for a total of 65 compared to the 40 rigs reported a year ago. Texas now has 453 working rigs after adding one this week. The Lone Star State had 246 working rigs last year at this time. New Mexico added a rig to reach 68, bouncing back from 27 working rigs last year. North Dakota slipped by three to hit 49 active rigs this week and Colorado lost two for a new total of 33. According to data from the Red Top Rig Report, Kansas lost two rigs for a total of 33.
Of the various oil plays, the Permian basin added six new rigs, reaching 386. Only one other play area – the Arkoma Woodford – added one new rig for 9. The Eagle Ford in south Texas lost three rigs, reaching 68. The Williston play also lost three for a new total of 49. The DJ-Niobrara in Colorado fell by two to hit 26. Cana Woodford lost one active rig, with 63 rigs remaining in the play. The Haynesville play fell by one to hit 45 while the Granite Wash also lost one for a new total of 14 active rigs.
