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    Environment and Energy

    Energy Prices Up, Rig Counts Down

    Written by Peter Wright


    On Wednesday, Sept. 20, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose above $50 per barrel for the first time since July 31, which was the only day greater than $50 since May 24. WTI closed at $51.86 on the 25th.  The number of operating rigs exploring for both oil and gas had a recent peak of 958 on July 28 and has since declined to 935 on Sept. 22. The prices of oil and natural gas drive the consumption of energy-related steel products including oil country tubular goods, pipe fittings and well head equipment, among others. A significant volume of hot rolled coil is used to make welded tubular goods.

    Figure 1 shows historical oil and gas prices since January 2000. The price of WTI has increased for each of the last three months. Our price and inventory data comes from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

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