Oil and gas drilling in Oklahoma took a big step in the past week, increasing the state rig count by five to 49 total rigs, according to the latest Baker Hughes Co. rig count.
It was the largest one-week increase for the state in months. The total of 49 compared to the 44 rigs reported one year earlier.
The gain in active rigs was also reflected across the U.S. where the number increased by four to 592. The number of oil-drilling rigs increased by 7 to 488 while the number of gas rigs dropped by two to 99. The number of miscellaneous rigs declined by one to five.
The total U.S. rig count is 34 less than a year ago when there were 626 rigs. The decline included a drop of 15 oil rigs and 21 gas rigs as the number of miscellaneous increased by two. The U.S. offshore count was unchanged at 14 in the past week.
Texas remained at 280 while New Mexico’s count slipped by one to 105 rigs. North Dakota was unchanged at 32. Louisiana stayed at 30.
The Red Top Rig Report published in Wichita indicated Kansas dropped by three to only a dozen active rigs. Colorado continued with a count of 9 rigs. Pennsylvania remained at 15 and Ohio saw no change with 9 rigs. West Virginia added one to reach 11 rigs. Utah’s count dropped one to 12 rigs and Wyoming continued with 20 rigs.