Environment and Energy
March 2, 2018
Active Gas & Oil Rig Counts in March
Written by Brett Linton
The U.S. rig count, an indicator of oil country tubular goods demand, rose this week, according to March 2 data from oilfield services company Baker Hughes. The number of active U.S. drill rigs rose by 3 to 981 rigs, with oil rigs up 1 to 800 rigs, gas rigs up 2 to 181 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0 rigs. Compared to this time last year, the 981 count is up 225 rigs, with oil rigs up 191, gas rigs up 35, and miscellaneous rigs down 1. See the first graph below for a history of active U.S. rig counts.
The Canadian rig count is slowing from its seasonal peak at the start of the year. This past week, the count fell 4 to 302 rigs, with oil rigs up 2 to 211 rigs, gas rigs down 6 to 91 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0. Compared to last year, the 302 count is down by 33 rigs, with oil rigs up 14, gas rigs down 47, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. See the second graph below for a history of active Canadian rig counts.
