The latest weekly oil and gas rig count revealed steep declines for Oklahoma and the nation, according to Houston-based Baker Hughes Company.
The U.S. rig count dropped by 11 to reach 898. Despite this setback, the nation is up 329 from a year ago when it had 569 working rigs. Oklahoma’s count fell by eight in the past week to reach 117 compared to just 76 active rigs from a year ago.
Canada added a rig in the past week, reaching 192. Canada had 154 working rigs a year ago, reflecting an overall gain of 38.
While Oklahoma suffered the largest hit in rig count this week, Texas added three new rigs for a total of 444. The Lone Star State had 262 working rigs one year ago. Colorado had the greatest gain, adding four new rigs for a total of 37. Last year, Colorado had 18 working rigs around this time. Louisiana dropped by four to reach 58 rigs compared to the 48 rigs reported a year ago. New Mexico lost two rigs to reach 65 while North Dakota also slipped by two to hit 47 active rigs this week. According to data from the Red Top Rig Report, Kansas gained two new rigs for a total of 39.
Of the various oil plays, only two added rigs this week. The Permian basin gained one to hit 380 while the DJ-Niobrara in Colorado also added one for a new count of 26. The Haynesville play lost three rigs for a total of 38. Arkoma Woodford dropped two rigs for 8. The Williston play also lost one for a new total of 48 active rigs. Finally, the Ardmore Woodford is down to its last working rig. This play also dropped one rig this week.