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    Environment and Energy

    Firming Oil Price Boosts Drill Rig Count

    Written by Peter Wright


    Oil prices are firm, and the drill rig count continues to increase, which is positive news for suppliers to the energy sector. 

    The spot price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has remained above $60 per barrel since Feb. 14 and on April 10 closed at $65.48 per barrel. The total number of operating rigs exploring for oil and gas increased by 18 in April through the 13th. All of the increase was in oil drilling. Gas rigs declined by two. 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. Welded tubular goods (not including OCTG) consumed about 5.5 million tons of hot rolled sheet in 2017.

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