The latest rig count in the U.S. by Baker Hughes Co. showed a decline of four nationwide while the number of working oil and gas rigs in Oklahoma was unchanged at eleven. Still, the decline represented a 15-year low in U.S. shale fields as drillers parked more and more of their rigs.
Oklahoma’s count compares to 86 reported a year ago. Nationally, the count is down to 247 including a decline of four oil rigs to 176 while the number of gas-drilling rigs is unchanged at 69.
The U.S. count is down 687 from the 934 active oil and gas rigs reported a year ago including a decline of 588 oil rigs and 100 gas rigs. The miscellaneous rig count increased by one.
Texas was unchanged at 104 active rigs compared to 454 reported one year earlier. Colorado remained at five working rigs and Louisiana stayed at 29.
New Mexico’s count dropped by three to 46 rigs while North Dakota, the nation’s second largest oil producing state behind Texas was unchanged at eleven working rigs.
The Red Top Rig Report published by the Independent Oil and Gas Service in Wichita, Kansas showed Kansas with an increase of three rigs in the past week to reach a total of 10.
The Permian Basin, the nation’s largest oil producing area reported a decline of two rigs, leaving 122, only about a fourth of the 444 rigs reported last year at this time. The Mississippian in Oklahoma and southern Kansas still has no rig activity, at least according to those reported to be serviced by Baker Hughes Co.
The Granite Wash in western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle has one working rig. The Eagle Ford in South Texas dropped one rig leaving eleven actively drilling for oil and gas. The DJ Basin in Colorado was unchanged at only four rigs.
The Ardmore Woodford in Oklahoma was unchanged with one rig while no rigs are reported in the Arkoma Woodford.